Frequency of Radix Entomolaris / Paramolaris in Permanent Mandibular First Molars of Patients Visiting Hamdard University Dental Hospital

OBJECTIVE: To see the prevalence of an additional root in permanent mandibular first molars inpatients presenting for dental checkup for root canal treatment.METHODOLOGY: This observational study was carried out at Department of Endodontics, HamdardUniversity Dental Hospital, Karachi from June 2016 to May 2017. Sample size was Eight hundred andthree permanent mandibular first molars from 568 females and 235 males were examined over a periodof 1 year. Presence of a third root was revealed by diagnostic periapical radiographs and thecomparison between males and females and between the right and left sides of the mandible wererecorded.RESULTS: Out of the 803 permanent mandibular first molars that were observed, only 17 were found tohave an accessory root. Out of total 803 samples that were being evaluated, only 17 subjects were foundto have an extra root with a prevalence of 2.12%. The incidence of extra root was found to be higher inmales.CONCLUSION: Though the incidence of radix entomolaris & paramolaris observed among the examinedpopulation was quite low, detection of radix is crucial to a successful endodontic treatment. More indepth study and detection methods are required for better identification of this unique anomaly.