Root Canal Morphology and Configuration of 179 Maxillary First Molars by Means of Micro-computed Tomography: An Ex Vivo Study

Introduction The objective of this study was to propose a root canal configuration description method and to investigate the root canal system morphology of the maxillary first molar by means of micro-computed tomographic imaging. Methods The root canal configuration, foramina, and accessory canal frequency of 179 maxillary first molars were investigated by means of micro-computed tomographic imaging and 3-dimensional software imaging. The root canal configuration and main foramina number are described from coronal to apical with a 4-digit system. Results The most frequent root canal configurations were 1-1-1/1 (45.8%), 2-2-2/2 (25.1%) and 2-2-1/1 (10.1%) in mesiobuccal roots and 1-1-1/1 in…