Root Morphology of Mandibular Anterior Teeth in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Root canal morphology is of utmost importance to the success of root canal treatment. The present study aim is to determine the variation in root canal morphology of the mandibular anterior permanent teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a Saudi population in Mecca. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study which was conducted using CBCT images of 388 patients. Patients were included according to a specific criterion to evaluate the number of canals and their configuration according to the Vertucci's classification. Results: The prevalence of the second canal of mandibular canine was 11% (11.3 in male and 10.7 in female), for mandibular lateral incisor was 22.3% (28.5 for male and 16.7 for female) and mandibular central incisor represented 21% (22% for male 20.1% for female). These differences were non-significant for canine and central incisor but was significant for lateral incisor (p=0.028). There were no significant differences regarding teeth position. According to Vertucci’s classification, type I was the most prevalent followed by type III, II and V for lateral and central incisors while type III, V and II were most prevalent in canines. There were statistically significant differences between male and female for lateral and central incisors morphology (p=0.003 and p=0.013, respectively) while the difference was non-significant for canine (p=0303). Conclusion: Type I Vertucci’s classification was the most common configuration in all mandibular anterior teeth. The presence of second canal is more prevalent in mandibular lateral and central incisors and the morphology of their root canals is significantly different between males and females.