Distolingual root prevalence in mandibular first molar and complex root canal morphology in incisors: a CBCT analysis in Indian population

Abstract

Cone-beam computed tomography was used to understand the possible correlation between the prevalence of distolingual root (DLR) in permanent mandibular first molars (MFMs) and the associated complicated mandibular incisor’s root canal morphology (MIs) in an Indian population. A total of 400 scans were evaluated for MFMs and MIs. The prevalence of DLRs and root canal anatomy of MIs were assessed based on Vertucci’s classification, and then the sample were grouped according to age, sex and side. Statistical analysis was used to evaluate the possible correlation between the presence of DLRs in the first molar and root canal morphology of incisors. Chi square test was used to evaluate the correlation between the root canal configurations of MIs with the existence of DLRs in MFMs. There was no statistically significant difference between sexes or ages for the prevalence of DLRs in the first molars (p > 0.05), which was 6.62%, with the right side having a greater frequency of DLRs (7.8%) than the left (5.5%). Vertucci Type I canal configuration was most common for the mandibular central (66.75%) and lateral incisors (58.62%). Vertucci Type III was the most common complicated canal morphology, followed by Types V, II, and IV for MIs, with no statistically significant difference in the studied sample's age and sex. (p < 0.05). No association was observed between the presence of DLRs in first molars and complicated root canal configurations in MIs. Taken together, the possibility of complicated root canal configuration in MIs was lesser in the presence of DLRs in MFMs among the Indian population.