PREVALENCE OF C-SHAPED ROOT CANALS AND ITS TYPES IN MANDIBULAR SECOND MOLARS IN KARACHI PAKISTAN: AN IN-VITRO STUDY

Abstract

Proper knowledge and insight pre-operatively about the morphology of root canal system are prerequisites for success of endodontic treatment. C-shaped root canals present challenging anatomic complexity which can often result in complications during endodontic intervention. For the virtue of proper diagnosis and effective endodontic treatment, knowledge related to diagnosis and treatment of this aberrant morphology as well its’ frequency in local population is crucial. To determine the prevalence of C-shaped root canals and its types in second mandibular molars in a sample representing Karachi population. This study was Cross-sectional descriptive type. To achieve the calculated sample size Non-probability convenient sampling technique was used. Extracted 210 second mandibular molars of patients were used as samples. Access opening was done using No. 2 round diamond bur. Pulp chamber floor was examined using Dg 16 endodontic explorer. Sodium hypochlorite was used for organic debris and pulpal remnants dissolution and then rinsed under tap running water. Afterwards samples were placed in Nitric oxide and then again rinsed. Dehydration of the samples was performed by using Ethyl Alcohol. Specimens were placed in methyl salicylates for achieving transparency. Dying of the specimens was done using India ink. Samples were observed after sectioning under Stereomicroscope at 7.5x magnification. Out of 210 teeth examined in vitro, 9.5% presented C-shaped root canal among which 45% were found to resemble Melton category I, 20% were belonging Melton category II and 35% of the observed belonged Melton category III. C-shaped root canal morphology is not uncommon in Karachi population. Possible explanation of this could be ethnic predilection and the geographical position of Karachi, Pakistan.