Assessment of root canal morphology of mandibular first premolars in the Indian population using spiral computed tomography: An in vitro study

Aim: The aim of the study is to determine the root canal morphology of the mandibular first premolar teeth in an Indian population using spiral computed tomography (SCT). Materials and Methods: One hundred extracted mandibular first premolars were observed using Spiral Computed Tomography for the (i) Pattern of root canal (ii) Tooth length (iii) Position of the bifurcation of the canal (iv) Invagination of the root (v) Root thickness. The root canal morphology was classified based on Vertucci's classification. Results: Eighty percent of the teeth had a single canal, 11% of the teeth had two canals, and C-shaped canals were found in 2% of the teeth, in this study. The average length of the teeth was 21.6 mm. Fourteen percent of the teeth had mesial invagination of the root. Conclusion: The Type I root canal morphology was the most common type of root canal system in the mandibular first premolars among the Indian population in this study.