Incidence of C-shaped root canal systems in mandibular second molars in the native Chinese population by analysis of clinical methods

A combination of radiography and clinical tests is the best way to correctly identify C-shaped root canal systems, research from China shows. C-shaped root canal systems occur under molars, and have a ‘fin’ or web-like structure connecting individual root canals. Chinese dental patients have a high incidence of C-shaped root canal systems that require different techniques to normal root canal surgery during endontic treatment. Yan Wang and co-workers at Shandong University and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, China, completed a statistical survey to ascertain the most effective way to identify C-shapes using different methodologies. Their study was based on radiograph scans and clinical microscopic examination by dental professionals. The combination of methods revealed that approximately 41% of the native Chinesepatients examined have C-shaped root canals.