Aims and objective: To investigate the root canal configuration of permanent maxillary first molar in Khasi population of Meghalaya.
Material and methods: Sixty (60) permanent maxillary first molars collected from patients of Khasi population of Meghalaya were studied using canal staining and clearing technique. Observations of the number of roots, root canal configuration, lateral canal, apical delta, and presence of the additional type of canals were made.
Results: Based on Vertucci's classification the different types of canal identified are: Mesiobuccal root, Type I (28.3%), Type II (28.3%), Type IV (30.0%), Type V (5.0%), Type VI (6.7%), and an additional type of canal (2-1-2-1-2; 1.7%) were observed. The distobuccal root displayed Type I (95%), Type II (1.7%), Type V (3.3%). The most prevalent canal configuration in the palatal roots is Type I (98.3%), Type II (1.7%).
Conclusion: In Khasi population of Meghalaya, the most prevalent root canal configuration in the mesiobuccal root is Type IV followed by Type I and Type II. MB2 canals are present in more than 65% cases. In palatal and distobuccal roots, Type I configuration is present in most cases. Racial divergence may be responsible for such variations.
Keywords: Canal staining and clearing technique; MB2 canal; North-east Indian population; maxillary first molar; root canal anatomy; root canal configuration.