Cone-beam computed tomographic evaluation of root canal morphology of mandibular canines in a Saudi subpopulation

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate the root canal morphology of mandibular canines in a Saudi subpopulation using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study assessed CBCT images of 707 patients. A total of 454 mandibular canine teeth were evaluated. The number of roots and canal configuration was identified based on Vertucci's classification. The Fisher's exact test was used alongside the Chi-square test to analyze the association between gender and number of roots, as well as gender and root canal configuration. Results: Most patients had one root, 99.8%, while double-rooted mandibular canines were observed in 0.2%. Moreover, Type I, II, III, and IV canal configurations were observed in mandibular canines with Type I being the most prevalent canal configuration (95.4%). Fisher's exact and Chi-square tests showed no significant association between gender and number of roots (P = 0.463), while the presence of two canals was more frequent in men than in women with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.006). Conclusion: Single rooted with Type I canal configuration was the most prevalent in mandibular canines in the Saudi subpopulation. However, incidence of more than one root canal with different canal configurations was also detected.