Prevalence Studies on Root Canal Anatomy Using Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Imaging: A Systematic Review

Introduction: In the literature, several prevalence studies on root canal anatomy using cone-beam computed tomographic technology are currently available although their results remain disperse. This systematic review aimed to appraise and combine, under strict criteria conditions, selected prevalence studies in order to comprehend the distribution of root canal configuration types among different populations. Methods: This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO. Six electronic databases were accessed, and the studies were selected according to a predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. References of the collected studies and 3 peer-reviewed endodontic journals were hand searched. The authors of the selected studies were contacted for additional information. All eligible studies were submitted to a scientific merit evaluation by 2 evaluators independently, who also reached a final consensus for each study score using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool for prevalence studies. Results: Fifty-two studies from 28 different countries including 102,610 teeth and presenting a Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool average score of 80.5% were included in this review. Overall, results showed a wide prevalence range of the second mesiobuccal canal in maxillary first and second molars but also a high prevalence of single-rooted configuration in maxillary first premolars and mandibular second molars and 3-rooted morphology in the mandibular first molar of Asian populations. Conclusions: The included studies showed a global tendency for a particular morphology in some groups of teeth, whereas others showed diversity in specific anatomic types among different populations.