Incidence of Middle Mesial Canals Based on Distance between Mesial Canal Orifices in Mandibular Molars: A Clinical and Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: This study evaluated the presence of midmesial canals (MMCs) in a random sample of mandibular molars and the relationship of the intracanal distance between mesiobuccal (MB) and mesiolingual (ML) canal orifices.

Methods: Fifty-one extracted mandibular molars were divided into samples of 3 to 4 teeth, mounted in plaster and boxing wax, and immersed in water before cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging. Two endodontic residents completed the access openings. The teeth and the CBCT images were interpreted for the presence of MMCs and the mesial intracanal distance. CBCT software measured the distance between the buccal of the MB canal to the lingual of the ML canal at the pulpal floor to determine the average length between the canals.

Results: Seven distinct MMCs were seen both clinically (incidence of 13.725%) and on the CBCT images. Twenty-seven teeth (52.94%) had ambiguous broad isthmi between the MB and the ML orifices. MMCs were present at the furcation level but merged with the MB or ML canal toward the apex in 6 of 7 teeth (85.71%). The mean distance between the mesial canals in teeth with MMCs was 3.643 mm, and it was 3.818 mm for teeth without MMCs. According to independent sample t testing, the P value was >.05.

Conclusions: The incidence of MMCs in mandibular molars appears consistent with the literature. However, there does not appear to be a statistically significant difference in the mesial intracanal distance in teeth with and without MMCs. Visualization of MMCs on CBCTs may be subjective. There does not appear to be a correlation between the presence of MMCs and an increased or decreased mesial intracanal distance.

Keywords: Cone-beam computed tomography; mandibular molars; midmesial canal.