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JOURNAL OF ENDODONTICS, vol.47, no.4, pp.585-591, 2021 (SCI-Expanded)
Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate if the configuration of canal orifices can predict the presence of a second mesiobuccal canal (MB2) in maxillary second molars with fused roots. Methods: Maxillary second molars with fused roots (N = 150) were scanned in a micro?computed tomographic device (pixel size = 9 mm) and evaluated regarding the root fusion type and the incidence of the MB2 canal. The centers of the canal orifices were connected, and the angles formed by the intersection of these lines as well as their distances were measured and statistically compared (1-way analysis of variance). Specimens were then assigned to 2 groups according to the presence (n = 65) or absence (n = 50) of the MB2 canal and compared regarding the angles and interorifice distances using the Welch t test. A binary logistic regression model estimated the association between the interorifice distance, the fusion type, and the presence of the MB2 canal, whereas receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic abilities of significant variables. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: The most common fusion types were 1 and 6, and MB2 canal incidence was 47.3%. No statistical difference was observed in the angles or interorifice distances among teeth with different fusion types (P > .05). Distances from the