Measurement of the apical anatomy of immature maxillary central incisors using cone-beam computed tomography

ObjectiveTo investigate the CBCT findings of the apical anatomy of immature maxillary central incisors.MethodsCBCT images of 100 immature maxillary central incisors in Nolla 8 and 100 immature maxillary central incisors in Nolla 9 were collected. The mesiodistal and carniocaudal diameters of the apical foramen of immature maxillary central incisors were measured by software included with CBCT, as well as the mesiodistal, carniocaudal and facioligual diameters of the apical shadow. The apical shadow and apical foramen diameters were compared between Nolla 8 and Nolla 9. Data were analyzed using the MedCalc software package.ResultsFor immature maxillary central incisors, the mesiodistal and facioligual diameters of the apical foramen were 2.75 +/- 0.68 mm and 3.28 +/- 0.74 mm in Nolla 8 and 1.50 +/- 0.51 mm and 1.92 +/- 0.79 mm in Nolla 9. The mesiodistal, facioligual and carniocaudal diameters of the apical shadow were 3.84 +/- 0.73 mm, 4.49 +/- 0.68 mm and 3.41 +/- 1.27 mm in Nolla 8 and 2.76 +/- 0.60 mm, 3.41 +/- 0.80 mm and 2.06 +/- 0.65 mm in Nolla 9, respectively.ConclusionsThe immature maxillary central incisors in Nolla 8 have a larger apical shadow and apical foramen than those in Nolla 9. The apical region of the maxillary central incisors in Nolla 8 was more likely to have a broad, blurred lamina dura. With the development of the apical foramen, the lamina dura in the apical region tended to be clear and sharp.Clinical significanceTo our knowledge, this is the first study to radiologically analyse the in vivo anatomy of the apical foramen and apical shadow of immature maxillary central incisors. The results of this study provide a more detailed understanding of the apical anatomy of the immature maxillary central incisor for the diagnosis and treatment of apical lesions.

Automated summary

This study investigated the CBCT findings of the apical anatomy of immature maxillary central incisors. The results showed that immature maxillary central incisors in Nolla 8 have a larger apical shadow and apical foramen than those in Nolla 9. The lamina dura in the apical region of Nolla 8 was more likely to be broad and blurred, while with the development of the apical foramen, it tended to become clear and sharp. This study provides a more detailed understanding of the apical anatomy of immature maxillary central incisors and its clinical significance for the diagnosis and treatment of apical lesions.