Position of Second Mesiobuccal Canal Relative to Distobuccal and Palatal Canals of Maxillary Molars in an Iranian Population

Background and Aim: This study assessed the position of the second mesiobuccal (MB2) canal relative to the distobuccal (DB) and palatal (P) canals of maxillary molars in an Iranian population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study evaluated 110 CBCT scans of patients retrieved from a radiology clinic in Isfahan, Iran.The MB1-MB2 inter-orifice distance, and the angle formed between the MB1-MB2 line and the DB-P line were measured on reconstructed axial sections.The angulation of MB2 orifice relative to the DB and P canals was categorized as positive, negative, and parallel.Data were compared by Student t-test, Fisher's exact test, and Chi-square test (alpha=0.05). Results:The mean MB1-MB2 inter-orifice distance was not significantly different in first and second molars, in the right and left sides, or in males and females (P>0.05).Negative angulation of MB2 orifice relative to the DB and P canals had the highest frequency (72.7%) followed by positive angulation (23.6%).Angulation of MB2 orifice had no significant correlation with tooth type (first/second molar), laterality, or gender (P>0.05). Conclusion:The mean MB1-MB2 inter-orifice distance had no significant correlation with tooth type, laterality, or gender.Negative angulation of the MB2 relative to the DB and P canals had the highest frequency, indicating that if a hypothetical line is drawn from the MB1 orifice parallel to the DB-P line, the MB2 orifice would be probably at the distal of this line.Angulation of MB2 orifice had no significant correlation with tooth type, laterality, or gender.