Morphological characteristics of the root canal in premolars of the Chinese

AIM:To observe the root morphology and canal anatomy of chinese premolars.METHDOS:Nity-five premolars from the Chinese with clinical records were collected.After photograghy and radiography,the teeth were crossly sectioned at the root cervical plane,the middle plane and the plane 2mm coronal to the anatomic apex.The cross-sectioned planes were observed under stereomicroscope.RESULTSS:Though single-root premolars were found to be prevalent in premolars as a whole,the frequency of double-root was proximately 40% in the first premolars.Meanwhile,more than 1/3 of the premolars tended to have two root canals,even three root canal could be found.The anatomy of root canals was complex,even C-shaped and dumbbell shaped canals could be found.Pathological stimulations such as caries and wedge-shaped defects could further narrow and change the root canal morphology.CONCLUSION:The canal anatomy of premolars is complex and can be shaped under different pathological stimulations.