Assessment of Mesiobuccal Root Canal Curvature in Maxillary Molars of Egyptian Population: A Standardized CBCT-Based Radiographic Protocol

Aim: This cross-sectional study aims to analyze the mesiobuccal (MB) root canal curvature in maxillary molars of the Egyptian population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and methods: DICOM files were retrieved anonymously from three different radiology centers according to specific selection criteria. Untreated MB roots with varying degrees of curvature were assessed in the sagittal plane for angle determination. Based on Schneider's method for root canal curvature assessment, a standardized protocol was developed by an oral and maxillofacial radiologist and was applied by two endodontists independently. The degree of severity was defined according to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) case difficulty assessment form. Data was tabulated and analyzed, and its clinical relevance was assessed. Data from 192 CBCT scans were collected and statistically analyzed using chi-square and independent t-tests.Results: The average angle of curvature of the mesiobuccal (MB) root of the maxillary first molar (MFM) in the sagittal plane was 22.8 degrees with a standard deviation of 9.8. In contrast, the maxillary second molar (MSM) was 24.3 degrees with a standard deviation of 10.5. No significant difference between the mean angles of the two molars was detected (p = 0.157). Most roots showed a moderate curvature, falling between 10 and 30 degrees (69.3% for MFM and 66.7% for MSM).Conclusions: In the Egyptian population, most MB roots of the upper first and second molars showed moderate to severe curvatures.