Root and root canal morphology of permanent mandibular incisors in a Kuwaiti subpopulation: A cone-beam computed tomography study

Abstract

Introduction: Sound knowledge of the external and internal anatomy of different teeth is an important prerequisite for successful endodontic treatment. The purpose of this in vivo study was to evaluate the root and root canal morphology of permanent mandibular incisors among a Kuwaiti subpopulation using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: A total of 600 Kuwaiti patients' CBCT images were screened and evaluated. A total of 1200 mandibular central incisors and 1200 lateral mandibular incisors were studied. The root canal morphology was recorded using Vertucci's classification and the association between the total number of root canals and patient's gender, tooth type (central vs. lateral incisor), and tooth location (right vs. left) were analyzed using Pearson's Chi-square test. Results: The prevalence of two canals in mandibular central incisors and lateral incisors was 24% and 27%, respectively. In both incisors, Type I root canal configuration was the most common (74.5%) followed by Types III and II. The total number of root canals per tooth was significantly higher in the central (P < 0.00001) and lateral (P = 0.00002) incisors in males compared to females, while tooth type and location had no effect on the number of root canals. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this clinical study, Type I root canal configuration was the most common root canal configuration of the mandibular incisors. The prevalence of two canals was significantly higher in males compared to females.

Keywords

• cone-beam computed tomography
• kuwaiti population
• mandibular incisors
• root canal morphology