title: Use of CBCT to investigate the root canal morphology of mandibular incisors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the root canal morphology of mandibular incisors using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 353 patients with 1,412 healthy, well-developed mandibular incisors were enrolled. Radiographic examination by CBCT was conducted as part of their routine examination, diagnosis and treatment planning. The following observations were made using CBCT: (1) the number of roots; (2) the number of canals; (3) canal configuration according to Vertucci's classification; (4) the position of root canal bifurcations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two canals were found in 10.9 % of mandibular central incisors, 25.5 % of lateral incisors and in 18.2 % of all the 1,412 mandibular incisors. Significantly, more lateral incisors possessed two canals than central incisors (p < 0.05). Of the teeth with two canals, type III incisors were the most prevalent, followed by types II, IV and V. Furthermore, 37.7 % of teeth were found to have root canal bifurcations that were at or near to the cortical-middle third junction regions of the roots.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Routine mode CBCT imaging was clinically useful for detection of two canals and determines the position of root canal bifurcations in mandibular incisors.
authors: Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 210008, Nanjing, China.
authors: Zitong
authors: Z
authors: Lin
authors: Qingang
authors: Q
authors: Hu
authors: Tiemei
authors: T
authors: Wang
authors: Jiuyu
authors: J
authors: Ge
authors: Shu
authors: S
authors: Liu
authors: Min
authors: M
authors: Zhu
authors: Shanhui
authors: S
authors: Wen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D055815:Young Adult