Prevalence and variability of C-shaped canals in mandibular second molars: a systematic analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62452/mpf87022Keywords:
Anatomical variations, C-shaped canals, endodontic therapyAbstract
The systematic review addresses the internal configuration of second mandibular molars, focusing on the complexity of C-shaped canals. The initial search was conducted in PubMed and SciELO in 2023, followed by a systematic search in January 2024, limiting the results to publications from 2019 onwards. Out of the 120 articles obtained, 95 were considered suitable after removing duplicates and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, five articles met the requirements for the review. The results highlight that the most frequent configuration in second mandibular molars is the presence of two roots and between one and three canals per root. The prevalence of a third root is less than 5.5%. The C-shaped configuration of the canals is a significant anatomical variant, attributed to a failure in the fusion of Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath during dental development. Reviewed studies, such as that by Castillo Córdova et al. (2024), show that 65.5% of second mandibular molars present C-shaped canals, which are more common in women. Cone-beam computed tomography has been essential for improving the identification of these anatomical variations, enabling a more accurate diagnosis and facilitating the planning of endodontic treatments. The review concludes that a detailed understanding of internal root canal anatomy is essential for success in endodontic therapy. Additional studies are recommended to explore possible genetic factors and expand the understanding of anatomical variability in other dental pieces.
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