C-shaped root canals in mandibular molars

The anatomy and morphology of the root canal system is very complex. Many scientific and clinical
studies have confirmed that the canal system is a complex network between the main canal and a multitude of lateral
and accessory canals, as well as anastomoses between them.
The anatomy and morphology of root canals is a highly studied and studied topic and the anatomy and morphology
of a certain group of teeth is clearly known. But there are always exceptions and we are faced with the challenge of
differentiating and classifying them. One such departure from the usual framework from an anatomical and
morphological aspect are the roots with a C-shaped configuration of the canal system (C-shaped).
In this paper, the etiological factors that lead to the formation of such anatomy will be described, especially the
epidemiology and prevalence of canals with such morphology, the diagnosis and clinic during processing and
obturation of such canals. More precisely, an overview of their classification, etiology, epidemiology, radiographic
and clinical diagnosis, preparation of the canal system and obturation of the C-shaped root canal will be given.
From the same, it can be concluded that S-shaped canals are an exception to the usual anatomy of the canal system.
They are present in a higher percentage in the Asian population, while in Europe they are relatively rare. They are
less common in older people and no gender difference has been observed. It can also be concluded that with proper
evaluation, clinical and radiographic, they can be successfully diagnosed. The specifics of processing and obturation
of such canals are described in the literature, and with their strict monitoring and fulfillment, we increase the
percentage of long-term favorable prognosis of the treated tooth. For the purpose of this research, 40 CBCT images
were analyzed, i.e. a total of 160 mandibular molars were analyzed.
Keywords: еtiology, anatomy, morphology, root canal, C-shape, evaluation, diagnostics.