RESUMO
PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the root canal anatomy of maxillary first molars in Black South Africans. METHODS: Micro-computed tomography was used to investigate 101 maxillary first molars (53 teeth from the right, 48 from the left; 50 male and 51 female teeth). The number of root canals in each tooth was determined, and the relationship between side, sex and age was analyzed using chi-squared test. To determine intra- and inter-observer reliability, Cohen's kappa coefficients were calculated. RESULTS: Intra- and inter-rater agreements of 96.92% and 98.08% were achieved, respectively. Most teeth contained either three or four canals, but a second, third and fourth mesio-buccal canal was found in 60.39%, 5.94% and 0.99% of teeth, respectively. The disto-buccal and palatal roots contained predominantly single canals, but additional canals were noted in 2.97% and 1.98% of teeth. Four canals were common in females and teeth on the right side often contained a second mesio-buccal canal. However, the prevalence of a third mesio-buccal canal was higher in males than in females. CONCLUSION: The teeth studied showed diversity and variations between sexes and arch sides. These findings will aid clinicians in endodontic treatment and will be applicable for educational purposes.