Available online 29 July 2022

The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the root and root canal morphology of maxillary first premolar teeth in a Kuwaiti population using micro–computed tomography (μ- CT).

A total of 100 maxillary first premolars were scanned in a micro– computed tomographic device. The external anatomy (number of roots, distance from cementoenamel junction to apex, and presence of a palatal groove) and internal anatomy (number of canals and presence of apical deltas, lateral canals, and isthmi) of teeth were analyzed using descriptive analysis.

The number of roots was one root (57%), two roots (41%), and three roots (2%). The longest and shortest roots measured 17.7 and 11.2 mm, respectively. The palatal groove was present in 63.4% of the teeth. According to Vertucci’s classification, type IV configuration was the most prevalent (53%), followed by type II. A new root canal configuration type (1-2-1-2-1) was detected. Apical deltas, lateral canals, and isthmi were present in 33%, 48%, and 21% of teeth, respectively.

Type IV canal configuration was the most common root canal configuration. A new root canal configuration type IX for (1-2-1-2-1) was proposed for Kuwaiti population. The μ-CT device could to be a better diagnostic tool for understanding the anatomy of the root canal system.

external morphology

furcation groove

maxillary first premolars

micro–computed tomography

root canal configuration

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