Analysis of radiologic factors in determining premolar root canal systems

Abstract Objectives. Certain tooth groups pose problems as to radiologic determination of root canal morphology. For example, the premolars may have superimposed roots that give the appearance of a single canal when 2 are actually present. This study examined the effect of X-ray tube inclination so as to visualize the complete root canal system in premolars. Study Design. One hundred extracted premolars were divided into 4 groups of 25 teeth each: 1MxP (first maxillary premolar), 2MxP (second maxillary premolar), 1MdP (first mandibular premolar), and 2MdP (second mandibular premolar). A total of 10 radiographs were made of each tooth in the horizontal and vertical planes (horizontal angles …