Cone-beam computed tomography study of the configuration of C-shaped canals in maxillary first molars in Senegalese subjects
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: C-shaped canals are anatomical variations that can occur in any tooth. Knowledge of this anomaly is essential for optimal root canal treatment. Indeed, a missed or poorly prepared canal leads to endodontic failure. Prevalence varies according to the type of tooth and the population studied. Little data is available for the African population. The aim was to study the prevalence and characteristics of C-shaped canals in a Senegalese population.Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of maxillary first molars in Senegalese subjects aged 16 years and older. The images had to be of good quality, free from artefacts and have good spatial resolution, with at least one. The molars had to be free from caries and restorations. The images were analysed using Radiant software. The variables studied were age, sex, tooth type, number of roots and type of C-shaped canal. Statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi 2.3.26 software. Quantitative variables were expressed as means and standard deviations, and qualitative variables as frequencies and percentages. The chi-square test was used to assess correlations between variables, with a significance threshold set at p ≤ 0.05.Results: A total of 544 molars were analysed; 49.3% (n = 268) were on the right side and 50.7% (n = 276) on the left side (p = 0.764). The prevalence of three-rooted molars ranged from 98.1% to 98.9%, whilst that of two-rooted molars was 98.1% on the right and 98.9% on the left (p = 0.451). The mean number of canal orifices was 3.82 ± 0.447, with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5. The distribution of type C canals showed that, in the mesiobuccal root, the C3c form was the most common, accounting for 62.7%.Conclusion: The variability in the configurations of type C canals is confirmed in the Senegalese population studied.
Institution: Cheikh Anta Diop University
Language: English
Subfield: Oral Surgery
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7218562030