MESIOBUCCAL ROOT VOLUME AND THE PRESENCE OF THE SECOND

ABSTRACT Identifying anatomical variations in the mesiobuccal root of maxillary first molars is essential for endodontic success. This study evaluated the presence of a second canal in this root and its correlation with root volume in a Brazilian subpopulation. A total of 142 CT scans of maxillae were analysed for volumetric assessment and canal identification. Root volume was calculated using InVersalius, and the second canal was identified with OnDemand3D Dental.Ink. Pearson’s chi-squared test and the Mann-Whitney test (p < 0.05) were applied using R2 Commander. A total of 284 maxillary first molars were analysed, with a mean volume of 98.888 mm³ for tooth 16 and 94.093 mm³ for tooth 26. The second mesiobuccal canal was present in 77.11% of the teeth. No statistical association was found between its presence and root volume or between the mean volumes of teeth 16 and 26. While vestibular root volumes showed no significant differences, the mesiobuccal root volume was significantly higher in males. In conclusion, in this Brazilian subpopulation, there was no correlation between the presence of a second mesiobuccal canal and root volume variations in maxillary first molars.