Morphological evaluation of maxillary and mandibular canines using cone-beam computed tomography in Turkish population

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the root canal morphology of the maxillary and mandibular canines using conebeam computed tomography (CBCT) in a Turkish population.Material and Methods: CBCT images of 377 maxillary and 419 mandibular canines were examined. The number of roots and theirmorphology, number of canals per root and canal configurations according to the Vertucci’s classification were recorded. Canalconfigurations and presence or absence of lateral canals were examined regarding gender, age groups, and tooth side. Anatomicsymmetry in canal morphology of bilateral canines was also recorded. The data were evaluated by Pearson Chi-square test (p < .05).Results:The prevalence of type I canal configuration in maxillary and mandibular canines was 96.3% and 87.8%, respectively. Twentyone percent of the maxillary canines and 14.8% of the mandibular canines had accessory canals. In maxillary canines, no significantdifference was observed in the prevalence of accessory canals between males and females and between age groups. In mandibularcanines, lateral canals and complex canal morphology were detected significantly more often in females. Prevalence of complex rootcanal increased with age in both maxillary and mandibular canines and great anatomic symmetry was observed in canal morphologyof bilaterally present teeth in the same patient.Conclusion: CBCT is a useful tool for evaluation of root and canal morphology. Our results can provide valuable aids for cliniciansduring root canal treatment of canines.