Cone-beam-computed-tomography of the symmetry of root canal anatomy in mandibular incisors

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of internal symmetry (the number and morphology of root canals) in the mandibular incisors using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). A total of 302 CBCT scans involving 1,208 mandibular incisors were evaluated using the Vertucci's classification regarding the number and configuration of root canals. The central mandibular incisors exhibited two root canals in 22.6% of patients and lateral incisors in 24.3% of patients. Most teeth (76.4%) had a type I configuration (a single root canal, 1-1), 21.7% had type II (2-1), 1.1% had type V (1-2), and 0.8% had type IV (2-2). Teeth with a type-III configuration (1-2-1) were not found. In total, 17.5% of patients had a symmetric appearance of the two-canalled central mandibular incisors and 20.5% had a bilateral appearance of the two-canal lateral incisors. Moreover, in 12.3% of the patients, all four incisors showed two root canals. The highest degree of symmetry was found in incisors that had one root canal (central incisors: 217 of 302, lateral incisors: 229 of 302), followed by type 2-1 incisors (central incisors 50, lateral incisors 58). The influence of sex and age on the prevalence of symmetries was not significant. Concluding, the internal anatomy of the mandibular incisors cannot not be sufficiently predicted from the root canal anatomy of the contralateral tooth. Thorough clinical and radiographic inspection of each tooth remains mandatory to address the internal anatomy of the mandibular incisors correctly.