The Prevalence of Radix Paramolaris and Entomolaris in Mandibular Molar Teeth: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the frequency of radix paramolaris (RP) and radix entomolaris (RE) in the mandibular őrst and second molars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials & Methods: The CBCT images of 400 patients at the ages of 14 to 66 were included in the study. On the included images, two maxillofacial radiologists simultaneously examined the presence of RP and RE by using axial CBCT cross-sections from the crown down to apical. Results: The prevalence of at least one RE or RP was 9% (36/400). RP was found in 1.25% (n = 20) of the teeth. Of these, two cases were bilateral, and 16 unilaterally occurred. RE was detected in 2.38% (n = 38) of the teeth, with 11 bilateral and 16 unilateral cases. The prevalence of at least one RE or RP was 10.7% (16/149) for males and 8% (20/251) for females. No statistical sex-related and side-related difference (p > 0.05 ) was detected for the prevalence of RP and RE. Conclusion: The study conőrms a 9% prevalence of at least one root variation (RP or RE) in permanent mandibular molars in a Turkish subpopulation. Clinicians need to be aware of such anatomical variations in the number of roots since they can complicate root canal treatments and tooth extractions