root and canal morphology of mandibular third molars in an iranian population

background and aims. a through knowledge of the root canal morphology is required for successful endodontic therapy. the aim of this study was to investigate the root and canal morphology of mandibular third molars in kerman, a province in southeast of iran. materials and methods. one-hundred-fifty extracted mandibular third molars were collected randomly from different dental clinics in kerman. the root canal anatomy and morphology of each tooth was carefully studied using a clearing technique. root number and morphology, number of canals per root, root canal configuration according to vertucci classification, and incidence of dilacerated roots and c-shaped canals in mandibular third molars were evaluated under stereomicroscope with ×2 to ×3 magnifications. results. from the total of 150 mandibular third molars studied, 21% had one root. the majority of teeth (73%) had two roots. 5.5% of the teeth had three roots. the incidence of c-shaped canal was 3.5% in this study and 8% of the teeth had at least one dilacerated root. conclusion. although root canal anatomy and morphology of mandibular third molars is very variable having two roots seems to be the normal anatomy for these teeth.