Clinical Implication Of CBCT-Based Root Canal Navigation Software

This study aimed to analyze the morphology of maxillary premolar canals using 3D visualization software on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and quantitatively evaluate the root canal curvature, including bucco-palatal information. CBCT images of 400 maxillary premolars (200 first and 200 second) from 200 patients (100 males, 100 females; mean age 39.3 years) were evaluated. Virtual 3D root canal models were constructed by connecting canal center points. Canals were classified as single or double (buccal and palatal branches), and the canal curvature at the most curved point (MCP) was automatically calculated using the radius of the tangential circle (R value). The differences based on tooth type, canal configuration, and gender were analyzed using t-tests. The vertical locations of MCPs were categorized into apical, middle, or coronal. Double canals were prevalent in both maxillary first (99.5%) and second (88.0%) premolars, with mean R values at MCPs of 1.50 mm and 1.58 mm, respectively. No statistical differences were found in R values according to premolar type, canal configuration, or gender (p > 0.05). Most MCPs were located apically, though 12.1-35.2% of those in double canals were located in the middle or coronal parts. This study provided a quantitative assessment of root canal curvature, including bucco-palatal information. This approach offers more precise anatomical insight than conventional 2D methods and may enhance clinical outcomes in endodontic treatment.