Introduction:

Adequate knowledge of the configuration of root canals is fundamental in endodontics; tomographic evaluation allows a correct assessment of their radicular arrangement.

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of C-shaped canals in mandibular second molars, evaluated by cone beam tomography.

Methods:

A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out; the sample consisted of 200 permanent mandibular second molars from a Peruvian population, observed in cone beam tomography, where the presence of the C-shaped canal, its configuration according to Fan's classification and the patient's gender were recorded.

Results:

The prevalence of the C-shaped root canal configuration in lower second molars was 65.5%; according to the Fan classification, the highest prevalence was observed in the cervical third of the root canal, type C1 with 85.7%; in the middle third, type C2 with 42.9%; at the apical level it was type C3C with 72.1%; according to gender, 65.2% of the C-shaped canals corresponded to females.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of C-shaped canals in mandibular second molars evaluated in cone beam tomography was 65.5% with a higher predominance in the female gender. The tomographic evaluation allows a better identification and internal configuration of the root canals.

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