C-shaped Root Canal in a Mexican Population

Objectives: The aim of this investigation was to determine the C-shaped root canal prevalence of mandibular second molars of a Mexican population using CBCT
Methods:
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (i-Cat Next Generation; Imaging Science International Inc., Pennsylvania, US) images of 310 individuals were collected. Mandibular molars included in this study had fully formed apices, fillings, and crown restorations. Patients with absence of mandibular second molars and under 15 years old were excluded. All the anatomical variations of C-shaped root canal were included. The cross-section images were analyzed with the i-Cat vision software (Imaging Science International Inc., Pennsylvania US).
Results: The prevalence of the C-shaped root canal was 23.26%, and 71.42% of the cases presented a bilateral configuration.
Conclusions: CBCT is an effective tool for detecting the C-shaped root canal. When present on one side, the C-shaped canal may be found in the contralateral tooth.