The applicability of vertuccis classification on primary mandibular second molars- a retrospective cbct pilot study

Introduction: A detailed knowledge of root canal morphology and comprehensive understanding of different root canal configurations are needed to avoid any failures or retreatments and also to improve the success of endodontic treatments of primary teeth. Inability to identify the root canals is generally found as the major cause of failure of root canal treatment. The classification of root canal morphology of permanent teeth was given by Vertucci (1984). However, after a detailed search in the literature, very few results were obtained which classified Primary mandibular second molars using Vertuccis classification. Aim: To investigate the root and canal morphology of primary mandibular second molars (PMSMs) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) by applying Vertuccis classification in Pediatric Indian population. Materials and Methods: CBCT images of 15 children (30 images) belonging to the age group of 5-8 years were obtained from the institutional database. The CBCT images were reconstructed by using On-Demand software, evaluated and the data was analyzed using SPSS version for windows. Results: All the primary mandibular second molars had two separate roots. In the mesial root, two root canals were observed in 86.7% of the cases and a single canal was seen in 13.3% of cases, whereas in the distal root, a single root canal was seen in 76.7% of cases and two canals were seen in 23.3% of the cases. Vertuccis Type IV configuration was most common in the mesial roots followed by Type I and Vertuccis Type I configuration was most common in the distal roots followed by Type IV. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the results of the present study showed different root canal configurations in both mesial and distal roots of primary mandibular second molars in the studied patients of the Pediatric Indian population.