Vertucci's Root Canal Configuration of 14,413 Mandibular Anterior Teeth in a Brazilian Population: A Prevalence Study Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography

Introduction: This cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT)-based study evaluated the root canal configurations of mandibular anterior teeth in a large Brazilian population, along with the influence of sex and the frequency of symmetry between the contralateral teeth. Methods: Overall, 2543 CBCT scans, including those of 4773 lower central incisors (LCIs), 4835 lower lateral incisors (LLIs), and 4805 lower canines (LCs), were analyzed. The scans were obtained from a private radiologic clinic using the PreXion 3D device (Yoshida Dental Mfg Co, Ltd, Tokyo, Japan) with a 0.14-mm voxel size; exposure parameters of 90 kV, 4 mA, and 19 seconds; and a field of view of 80 x 80 mm. Root canal anatomy was analyzed according to the Vertucci classification. Sex influence on the canal distribution and symmetry between the contralateral teeth were analyzed. The data were analyzed statistically and were considered significant when P<.05. Results: All LCIs and LLIs had 1 root, whereas 2.4% of LCs had 2 roots. Two root canals were observed in approximately 20% of LCIs and LLIs and in approximately 11% of LCs. The most common configuration was type I followed by type III. Bilateral symmetry occurred in a majority of the individuals (ie, 91% in LCIs, 87% in LLIs, and 87% in LCs). No sex influence was noted with LLIs and LCs (P > .05). However, LCIs showed a higher prevalence of 2 canals in men (P < .05). Conclusions: The prevalence of 2 root canals in the mandibular anterior teeth in Brazilians was approximately 20% for central and lateral incisors and 10% for canines.

Automated summary

This CBCT-based study in a large Brazilian population found that approximately 20% of mandibular central and lateral incisors had two root canals, while canines had 10%. The majority of individuals demonstrated bilateral symmetry between contralateral teeth. No significant sex influence was found for lower lateral incisors and canines, but a higher prevalence of two canals in men was noted for lower central incisors.