Radiographic assessment of root canal morphology of mandibular central incisors using new classification system: A cross-sectional study

Lack of basic knowledge about the external and internal anatomies of the root canal system and common variations in teeth may lead to various procedural errors or treatment failure. In this study, the root canal configurations of mandibular incisors and the symmetry of the contralateral incisors of Saudi Arabian subpopulations were analyzed and determined using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). A retrospective evaluation of 700 patients was conducted, and 1260 fully developed permanent mandibular central incisors were assessed. The number of root canals was determined, and the internal root canal anatomies were categorized based on Ahmed et al.'s criteria. The CBCT images were independently evaluated by 2 trained dentists and an endodontist. The data were assessed using the chi-square and one-way analysis of variance tests. All the mandibular central incisors included in the study were single-rooted. According to Ahmed et al's classification system, the most common classification (82.6%) was 1ManA1 (Vertucci type I), followed by 1ManA1-2-1 (Vertucci type III; 13%). Second canals were more frequently recorded in the male participants than in the female participants. The root canal configuration between contralateral incisors was largely symmetrical. Most of the mandibular incisors in the examined Saudi Arabian population had a single canal. Nevertheless, a substantial number of patients had a complex root morphology. Hence, CBCT can be utilized as a potential supplementary tool during root canal treatment.