Prevalencia de conductos en forma de C en segundos molares mandibulares mediante evaluación de tomografía computarizada de haz cónico en una sub-población ecuatoriana

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of C-shaped canals in mandibular second molars, examining their distribution across the three root thirds using the Melton classification and cone-beam computed tomography (TCHC). Methodology: It was conducted a cross-sectional observational study, analyzing 1000 CBCT scans from patients aged 18 to 70 years, taken at the Xplora Radiology Center (Quito, Ecuador) between January 2022 and February 2025. Images were evaluated using IRIS software, marking the presence of C-shaped canals in the cervical, middle, and apical thirds of teeth #3.7 and #4.7. Data were recorded in Excel and analyzed with SPSS using Chi-square and ANOVA tests. Results: The overall prevalence of C-shaped canals was 54.60%, significantly higher in women than in men (p=0.012). Men exhibited a higher likelihood of bilateral occurrence. According to Melton’s classification, the most common canal configuration in both sexes was Type III. Utilizing TCHC enabled more accurate three-dimensional identification of root anatomy, overcoming limitations inherent to conventional methods such as periapical radiographs. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that the presence of C-shaped canals in mandibular second molars is influenced by patient sex, being more prevalent in women. The most frequent canal morphology corresponds to Melton Type III across all thirds, and bilateral presentation 16REP – Volumen 2, Número 2, Julio - Diciembre 2025is common. TCHC emerges as a key diagnostic tool for effective endodontic treatment planning in the presence of this complex anatomical variation.