Use of CBCT to investigate the root canal morphology of mandibular incisors

• Published in: Surgical and radiologic anatomy (English ed.) Vol. 36; no. 9; pp. 877 - 882
• Main Authors: Lin, Zitong, Hu, Qingang, Wang, Tiemei, Ge, Jiuyu, Liu, Shu, Zhu, Min, Wen, Shanhui
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Paris Springer Paris 01.11.2014; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anatomy; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Dental care; Dental equipment; Dental Pulp Cavity - anatomy & histology; Dental Pulp Cavity - diagnostic imaging; Female; Humans; Imaging; Incisor - anatomy & histology; Incisor - diagnostic imaging; Male; Mandible - anatomy & histology; Mandible - diagnostic imaging; Medical imaging; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Middle Aged; Morphology; Original Article; Orthopedics; Radiology; Surgery; Tooth Root - anatomy & histology; Tooth Root - diagnostic imaging; Young Adult; Root canal morphology; Cone-beam computed tomography; Mandibular incisor
• ISSN: 0930-1038; 1279-8517
• DOI: 10.1007/s00276-014-1267-9

Purpose To investigate the root canal morphology of mandibular incisors using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and methods A total of 353 patients with 1,412 healthy, well-developed mandibular incisors were enrolled. Radiographic examination by CBCT was conducted as part of their routine examination, diagnosis and treatment planning. The following observations were made using CBCT: (1) the number of roots; (2) the number of canals; (3) canal configuration according to Vertucci’s classification; (4) the position of root canal bifurcations. Results Two canals were found in 10.9 % of mandibular central incisors, 25.5 % of lateral incisors and in 18.2 % of all the 1,412 mandibular incisors. Significantly, more lateral incisors possessed two canals than central incisors ( p  < 0.05). Of the teeth with two canals, type III incisors were the most prevalent, followed by types II, IV and V. Furthermore, 37.7 % of teeth were found to have root canal bifurcations that were at or near to the cortical-middle third junction regions of the roots. Conclusion Routine mode CBCT imaging was clinically useful for detection of two canals and determines the position of root canal bifurcations in mandibular incisors.