Micro-computed tomographic analysis of the root canal morphology of mandibular incisors.
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to describe the anatomy of mandibular central and lateral incisors using micro-computed tomographic imaging.


METHODS
One hundred mandibular incisors were scanned in a micro-computed tomographic device using an isotropic resolution of 22.9 μm. The anatomy of each tooth (length of the roots, presence and location of accessory canals and apical deltas, and number of canals) as well as the 2- and 3-dimensional morphologic aspects of the canal (area, roundness, diameter, volume, surface area, and structure model index) were evaluated. Data were statistically compared using the Student t test (alpha = 0.05).


RESULTS
The mean lengths of the mandibular central and lateral incisors were 20.71 and 21.56 mm, respectively. Most of the central (60%) and lateral (74%) incisors had no accessory canals. An apical delta was observed in only 1 specimen. The cross-section analysis of the apical third showed the presence of 1, 2, or 3 canal orifices. No statistical difference was observed in the comparison of the 2- and 3-dimensional morphologic parameters between central and lateral incisors (P < .05). The qualitative analyses of the 3-dimensional models of the root canal systems of the central and lateral incisor teeth confirm that the most prevalent configurations were Vertucci's types I (50% and 62%, respectively) and III (28%).


CONCLUSIONS
Overall, mandibular central and lateral incisors were similar in terms of the 2- and 3-dimensional analyzed parameters. Vertucci's types I and III were the most prevalent canal configurations of the mandibular incisors; however, 8 new types have also been described.
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Dental School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Graziela Bianchi
GB
Leoni
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Dental School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Marco Aurélio
MA
Versiani
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Dental School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Jesus Djalma
JD
Pécora
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Dental School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: sousanet@forp.usp.br.
Manoel
M
Damião de Sousa-Neto
D019412:Anatomy, Cross-Sectional / Q000379:methods; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D007180:Incisor / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009811:Odontometry / Q000379:methods; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography / Q000379:methods*
Mandibular incisor; micro–computed tomographic imaging; root canal anatomy