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Root canal morphology of mandibular first premolars in Saudi Arabian southern region subpopulation

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the root canal morphology of Saudi Arabian mandibular first premolars by tooth clearing technique. Materials and Methods: One-hundred mandibular first premolars were collected from different dental schools and primary health care centers of the southern region of Saudi Arabia. Access cavities were prepared, the pulp tissue was dissolved, and teeth were subjected to clearing technique protocol. The transparent teeth were examined under dental microscope and following features were analyzed: number of roots, number of root canals, number of apical foramina, root canal configuration (Vertucci's classification), number of lateral canals, and intercanal communications. Results: Of the 100 mandibular first premolars, 80% had a single root, 18% had two roots, whereas 2% were three rooted. Seventy-two percent had a single canal, 26% had two canals, and 2% teeth had three canals. Seventy-three percent had a single apical foramen, 19% had two foramens, 2% had three apical foramens, and 6% had multiple apical foramina (apical delta). Sixty-nine percent had Type I, 8% had Type III, 4% had Type IV, 16% had Type V, 2% had Type IX, and 1% had an additional root canal configuration. Lateral canals were found in 38% and intercanal communications in 16% teeth. Conclusions: Although the majority of the study samples had a single root and one root canal, two roots were found in 18% and two canals in 26%. Such morphological variations should be taken into consideration to ensure successful root canal treatment of these teeth.