Prevalence and morphometric assessment of the middle mesial canal in mandibular first molars in a turkish population: A CBCT study

This study aimed to evaluate the configurations, prevalence, and morphometric relationships of the middle mesial canal (MMC) with surrounding structures in mandibular first molars (MFMs) of a Turkish population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT images of 2,999 retrospectively selected MFMs were examined. The presence and configuration of the MMC and its relationship with the mesiobuccal (MB) and mesiolingual (ML) canals were assessed. In addition, the distances between the MB-ML, MB-MMC, and ML-MMC canal orifices and the vertical distances from the MB, ML, and MMC orifices to the pulpal floor (PF) were measured. Buccolingual (BL) and mesiodistal (MD) dimensions and their ratios were also analyzed in relation to the presence of the MMC. An MMC was detected in 24.5% of the examined teeth. Among these, 77.8% exhibited a configuration merging with the MB canal. The presence of an MMC was significantly associated with a smaller BL width and a larger MD width (p < 0.001). The MMC orifice was positioned deeper than the MB and ML orifices. In the Turkish population, MMCs were observed in 24.5% of MFMs, most commonly showing a merging configuration with the MB canal. The presence of an MMC can be predicted by specific morphometric parameters, and access can be facilitated by troughing between the MB and ML canals. These findings highlight the importance of anatomical awareness of the MMC to enhance clinical success.