Confirming the Best Clinical Method of Finding the MB2 Canal in Maxillary First Molar - an in vitro Study

Dr. Mohammed Imtiaz; Dr. Debaprasad Das; Dr. Anirban Bhattacharyya; Dr. Asim Bikash Maity; Dr. Suman Kar; Dr. Soham Data

Volume : IX, Issue : II, February - 2020

Confirming the Best Clinical Method of Finding the MB2 Canal in Maxillary First Molar - an in vitro Study

Dr. Mohammed Imtiaz, Dr. Debaprasad Das, Dr. Anirban Bhattacharyya, Dr. Asim Bikash Maity, Dr. Suman Kar, Dr. Soham Data

Abstract :

INTRODUCTION Maxillary first molar is the largest tooth in terms of total volume and is generally considered the most anatomically complex tooth due to its variation and complex morphology, particularly in the mesiobuccal root. Throughout the literature, much of the focus of the maxillary first molar has revolved around the mesiobuccal root and the second mesiobuccal canal, which is referred to as either the MB2 or the mesiolingual canal. Although not always located, the MB2 canal is present on average 56.8% of the time when all studies are taken into account. Depending on the study referenced to and the method used, the presence of the MB2 canal ranges from 18.6% to 96.1%. When the MB2 canal cannot be located or properly treated, it may contribute to continuous patient pain or root canal failure. METHOD The purpose of this study was to ascertain the best clinical method to detect the MB2 canal in 100 maxillary first molars that has gone through CBCT for confirming the presence of MB2 canal– using 3 independent methods: stage 1, wirect occlusal access; stage 2, direct occlusal access with dye and stage3, direct occlusal access with a dental operating microscope (DOM); RESULT The prevalence of an MB2 canal with blinded CBCT volume evaluation was 89% (89/100). Stage 1, Direct occlusal access of the tooth without magnification, showed an MB2 canal in 45% (45/100) of teeth. Stage 2, Direct occlusal access with dye, led to an MB2 detection rate of 52% (52/100) of teeth. Stage 3, Direct occlusal access of the tooth with magnification under dental operating microscope, demonstrated the presence of an MB2 canal 88% (88/100) of the teeth. When the prevalence of MB2 canals found in Group 1 (45%) was compared with groups 2 (52%), 3 (88%) were all found to be statistically significant (P = .032, P = .002, and P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSION: In the above study it is seen that using magnification is the best clinical method for searching the MB2 canal in the maxillary first molar.