Cone beam computed tomography investigation of the effect of root dimensions and buccolingual width on canal morphology i̇n mandibular anterior teeth

Aim: The aim of this thesis is to evaluate the root canal configurations and numbers of mandibular anterior teeth in relation to buccolingual width, age, and gender using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods:The cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of a total of 360 patients, including 140 males and 220 females who met the inclusion criteria and applied to the Faculty of Dentistry at Health Sciences University between 2019 and 2022, were evaluated. Two points were established on the sagittal sections of the teeth: one at the enamel-cement junction (MSS) and the other at half the height of the root. The widths from these points were measured and recorded. Results: A total of 2078 mandibular anterior teeth were examined. The highest prevalence of Vertucci Type I configuration was found in mandibular central teeth (65.5%), lateral teeth (70.3%), and canines (93.7%). All mandibular central teeth were single-rooted, and the vast majority of mandibular lateral (99.9%) and canine (96.8%) teeth were also single-rooted. The detection rate of the lingual canal in mandibular central and lateral teeth was found to be higher in males compared to females. In teeth where the lingual canal was detected, the ages of the patients were found to be higher than those of patients without detected canals. Additionally, an increase in the enamel-cement junction and root width in mandibular central and lateral teeth, as well as an increase in root width in mandibular canines, was associated with a higher detection rate of the lingual canal. Conclusion: The increase in buccolingual dimension in mandibular anterior teeth enhances the likelihood of finding additional canals. Pre-treatment evaluation of tooth dimensions by clinicians may increase the chance of finding these additional canals.