Characterization of maxillary central incisor: novel crown–root relationships

Abstract

The periodontal biotype includes crown features of the maxillary central incisor (MCI), whereas root measures have been less studied. The aim of our study was to morphologically characterize MCI and search relationships between crown and root measures. One hundred-fifty MCIs were used. On each tooth, several crown and root reference points were marked and the following measures were done: On crown: mesio-distal (MD = major, md = minor), axial (crown length, cervical convexity) and buccolingual diameters (Cbl); On root: mesio-distal (Rmd) and buccolingual diameters (Rbl); and tooth length. A ratio between md and MD was made in order to assess dental forms. Root diameter prediction was assessed by means of multiple and single linear regression analyses, with variable selection by backward method. Reliability of measurements was estimated by the Pearson correlation coefficient. Dental form groups were: Stout type 56.67 %, Intermediate type 22.67 %, and Strangled type 20.67 %. A significative association was found between Rbl and Cbl (p = 0,000), Rmd with md (p = 0.000), and Rmd with MD (p = 0.000). The results allow predicting root diameters through crown measures. There is a direct relationship between crown and root features, which allows the prediction of root diameters with a high accuracy (95 %), regardless of tooth form. The morphometric data assess tooth diameters more accurately and could improve treatment planning, offering a more comprehensive approach to the periodontal biotype concept.