title: Three-dimensional analysis of root canal curvature and direction of maxillary lateral incisors by using cone-beam computed tomography.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Root canal curvature can affect the technical quality of endodontic treatment. Prior studies measured canal curvature mainly by 2-dimensional radiography. The aim of this study was to measure the 3-dimensional (3D) root canal curvature and canal direction of maxillary lateral incisors by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and mathematical modeling.
  
  
  METHODS
  The CBCT images of 186 maxillary lateral incisors from 110 patients were used to measure 3D root canal curvature by using V-works and kappa software. In addition, the direction of each root canal was determined by measuring the orientation of the apical one-third with respect to the coronal two-thirds.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All 186 maxillary lateral incisors were found to have canal curvature that was mainly oriented in the disto-palatal direction. The point of maximum curvature was located 0.5 mm from the root apex.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Maxillary lateral incisors have 3D canal curvature that is maximal near the root apex, oriented in the disto-palatal direction. These CBCT analyses provide valuable information for root canal instrumentation of maxillary lateral incisors.
authors: Department of Conservative Dentistry, Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
authors: Pan-Soo
authors: PS
authors: Park
authors: Kee-Deog
authors: KD
authors: Kim
authors: Hiran
authors: H
authors: Perinpanayagam
authors: Jong-Ki
authors: JK
authors: Lee
authors: Seok Woo
authors: SW
authors: Chang
authors: Shin Hye
authors: SH
authors: Chung
authors: Blythe
authors: B
authors: Kaufman
authors: Qiang
authors: Q
authors: Zhu
authors: Kamran E
authors: KE
authors: Safavi
authors: Kee-Yeon
authors: KY
authors: Kum
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D007180:Incisor / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012984:Software; D019227:Tooth Apex / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D019237:Tooth Cervix / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cone-beam computed tomography; mathematical modeling; maxillary lateral incisor; root canal curvature; root canal direction