Retrospective study of root canal configuration of permanent mandibular incisors among Indian subpopulation using cone-beam computed tomography

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Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and determine the root canal configuration in mandibular incisors among the Indian subpopulation using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was performed on 872 CBCT images of mandibular permanent incisors (central and lateral) of Indian subpopulation who visited the radiology department at a dental college between 2014 and 2023. The teeth were investigated for the number of roots and canals and canal configuration types according to Vertucci’s classification. The CBCT images were interpreted, and the data were analyzed statistically. Results: Out of a total of 872 incisor teeth, it was found that out of male subjects, 472 (99.8%) had one root, and 1 (0.2%) had two roots, and out of 400 incisor teeth of female subjects, 396 (99.0%) had one root, and 4 (1.0%) had two roots. It was found that of 436 right-sided incisors, majority, i.e., 187 (42.9%) were of type 1, 112 (25.7%) were of type 2, 86 (19.7%) were of type 3, 43 (9.9%) were of type 4, 6 (1.4%) were of type 5, and 2 (0.4%) were of type 6. Out of 436 left-sided incisors, the majority, i.e., 179 (41.0%) were of type 1, 110 (25.2%) were of type 2, 105 (24.1%) were of type 3, 38 (8.7%) were of type 4, 2 (0.4%) were of type 5, and 2 (0.4%) were of type 6. The distribution of Vertucci’s classification did not differ significantly between the group of right-sided teeth and the group of left-sided teeth in the study group (P > 0.05). While the distribution of the number of roots differs significantly across various age groups of subjects studied in the study group along with the total of 436 right-sided incisors, 433 had one root, and 3 had two roots. Out of 436 left-sided incisors, 434 (99.5%) had one root, and 2 (0.5%) had two roots. The distribution of the number of roots did not differ significantly between the group of right-sided teeth and the group of left-sided teeth in the study group. Conclusion: Mandibular central and lateral incisors showed no statistical difference between males and females in terms of the number of canals and canal configurations. The distribution of the number of roots differs significantly across various age groups. The distribution of the number of roots did not differ significantly between the group of right-sided teeth and the group of left-sided teeth in the study group. CBCT is the ideal method for critically analyzing the root canal system. Therefore, comprehensive interpretation of radiographs in determining the extension of access preparation and the use of dental microscopy to enhance visibility can help clinicians locate and negotiate extra canals.