Radicular Dentin Thickness and Root Canal Morphology of Mandibular Incisors in Indian Subpopulation Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Cureus. 2024 Nov 9;16(11):e73355. doi: 10.7759/cureus.73355. eCollection 2024 Nov.

Abstract

Aim Using two classifications, this study assessed root morphology and canal configuration and measured the Dentin thickness (DT) and canal shapes. Methods Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) with 400 Mandibular Incisors was collected and assessed for the number, length, curvature of roots, number of canals, bifurcation level, configurations based on Vertucci's and Ahmed's classification, DT and canal shape at 3, 6, 9 mm from the apex. The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis with a level of significance at p<0.05. Results All samples had one root, averaging 12.769 ± 1.128 mm in central incisor (CI) and 13.044 ± 1.235 mm in lateral incisor (LI), with most roots being straight. Most samples had one canal in both teeth, with bifurcations most frequent in the middle third. The most frequent configuration was type 1 Vertucci or 1CI1/1LI1 by Ahmed, followed by type 3 or 1CI1-2-1/1LI1-2-1. One sample, not classifiable under Vertucci, was classified as 1CI1-3-1 by Ahmed. The mean DT for CI was 3.18 ± 0.639 mm, 3.72 ± 0.671 mm and 4.43 ± 0.754 mm labiolingually and 1.578 ± 0.342 mm, 1.881 ± 0.374 mm, 2.283 ± 0.465 mm mesioditally at 3, 6, 9 mm from the apex, respectively. For LI, mean DT was 3.41 ± 0.916 mm, 3.90 ± 0.702 mm and 4.55 ± 0.746 mm labiolingually and 1.63 ± 0.322 mm, 1.981 ± 0.485 mm, 2.55 ± 0.470 mm mesioditally at 3, 6, 9 mm from the apex respectively, canal shape changed from oval to round, from apical to coronal. Conclusion Single canals were the most common, followed by two canals. The middle third of the canal had the most bifurcations. Vertucci type 1 or Ahmed's 1CI1/1LI1 was the most commonly reported canal configuration, with one sample that could not be classified under Vertucci but could be classified using Ahmed classification. DT increased apical to coronal. The canal shape changed from oval to rounded, from apical to coronal.

Keywords: ahmed classification; cone-beam computed tomography (cbct); mandibular incisors; radicular dentin thickness; root canal morphology; vertucci classification.