(PR43) CBCT Analysis for the Assessment of Existence and Treatment of MB2 Canals in Maxillary First and Second Molars

Abstract:

Objective: To detect the existence of MB2 canal in maxillary first and second molars with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and investigate the incidence of locating and treating MB2 canals during primary root canal treatment (RCT) performed at postgraduate Endodontic clinic in the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Materials and

Methods: Clinical and radiographic records of RCT in maxillary first and second molars from 2019 to 2021 were reviewed. Among them, cases with pre-or intra-operative CBCT scans were collected. The presence of MB2 canal was verified with CBCT analysis. Post-operative periapical radiographs were evaluated to confirm the completion of clinical treatment (instrumentation and obturation) in MB2 canals.

Results: A total of 50 cases were collected. MB2 canals of 29 teeth (58%) detected on pre-or intra-operative CBCT Images were clinically treated. However, MB2 canals of 21 teeth (42%) seen on pre-or intra-operative CBCT scans were left untreated.

Conclusion: CBCT image is a great aid for identification of MB2 canal in maxillary first and second molars. However, our findings revealed the high frequency of untreated MB2 canals, which suggests MB2 canals might be inaccessible and often be clinically untreatable even knowing their presence from pre-or intra-operative CBCT scans.