%0 Journal Article %T Root canal morphology of maxillary second premolars in an Indian population %A Raj Udayakumar %A Mylswamy Sumitha %J Journal of Conservative Dentistry %D 2010 %I Medknow Publications %X Introduction : The purpose of this study was to investigate root canal morphology of maxillary second premolars in an Indian population. Materials and Methods : Two hundred maxillary second premolars were collected, stained, decalcified, and cleared. Cleared teeth were examined in a steromicroscope under 7.5¡Á magnification and the following observations were made: (1) length of the teeth, (2) number of root canals, (3) root canal configuration by Vertucci¡äs classification, (4)number of isthmi between the canals, (5) frequency of apical deltas. Results : Of the two hundred maxillary second premolars, 64.1% had one root canal at the apex and 35.4 % had two root canals at the apex. The average length of the teeth was 21.5 mm. Concerning the canal morphology, 33.6% of the teeth exhibited Vertucci type II configuration followed by type IV pattern (31.1%); 29.2% of the teeth possessed type I pattern. An additional canal configuration type XIX was found in one tooth. Isthmi and apical deltas was found in 19% and 14% of the cases, respectively. Conclusion : The root canal morphology of Maxillary second premolars can be complex and requires careful evaluation prior to endodontic therapy. %K Apical delta %K decalcification and staining %K maxillary second premolar %K root canal morphology %K Vertucci¡äs classification %U http://www.jcd.org.in/article.asp?issn=0972-0707;year=2010;volume=13;issue=3;spage=148;epage=151;aulast=Raj