LAUSR

INTRODUCTION The aim of this cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) study was to evaluate the association between the mesiobuccal (MB) root canal configuration (RCC), inter-orifice distance (IOD) and the corresponding root length of permanent maxillary first molar tooth METHODS: 100 CBCT scans obtained from the computerized data bank of the institute were studied. The IOD between the MB1 and MB2 canal was measured in the axial section where the MB2 canal was first visualized. The root length was measured from the cemento-enamel junction to the root apex in the coronal and sagittal section. The associations of these parameters with the RCC (based on Vertucci's classification) were evaluated RESULTS: The predominant RCC was observed to be Vertucci's type II (89 %). The mean root length with this configuration was 11.19 ± 1.35 mm. In type IV RCC, the mean root length was 9.13 ± 0.52 mm. A statistically significant association was established between root length and RCC (P<.05). In roots with type II and type IV RCC the mean IOD was 2.58 ± 0.04 mm and 2.62 ± 0.1 mm respectively. No statistically significant relation was established between the IOD and type of RCC (P>.05) CONCLUSION: Length of the MB root is an important anatomical parameter for predicting the type of RCC in the permanent maxillary first molar tooth.