Root and canal morphology of mandibular premolars using cone-beam computed tomography in a Chilean and Belgian subpopulation: a cross-sectional study

Objective: To describe mandibular premolar root and canal morphology and its variability in Chilean and Belgian samples using cone-beam computed tomography. Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted. A total of 402 mandibular premolars were examined using cone-beam computed tomography images of Chilean and Belgian patients. Premolars that met the inclusion criteria were studied in relation to the number of roots, number of canals, root canal configuration, presence of C-shaped configuration, tooth length, and root length. Results: The mandibular first premolar frequently presented with one root (94% Chilean; 100% Belgian), as did the mandibular second premolar (99% Chilean; 98% Belgian). One canal was present in 69% of Chilean, and 83% of Belgian mandibular first premolars, and in 95% of Chilean and 91% of Belgian second premolars. A type I root canal configuration was found in 69% of Chilean and 83% of Belgian first premolars and in 95% of Chilean and 92% of Belgian second premolars. Conclusions: The anatomical parameters analyzed in the Chilean and Belgian samples are similar. However, it should be noted that there are anatomical variations in mandibular premolars.