Root canal configuration in mandibular anterior teeth: Insights from cone-beam computed tomography in a Turkish subpopulation

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the structures, roots and canal numbers of mandibular anterior teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methodology: The study evaluated 4830 fully-developed mandibular anterior teeth from 953 CBCT scans. The final sample consisted of 515 scans of females and 438 scans from males, with ages ranging from 17 to 69 years. Among the assessed teeth, 2475 were located on the right side and 2355 on the left, including 2614 from females and 2216 from men. The teeth were free of any fillings, resorption, or cracks in the root or crown. The study analyzed the numbers of roots and root canals, location of the apical foramen, and canal type according to Vertucci’s classification. Results: 82.7% of teeth had single-root canals, whereas four lateral teeth (0.2%) and 42 lower canines (2.4%) had two-roots. The apical foramen was located centrally in 80.9% of the teeth (n = 3909), followed by buccal (8.8%), distal (4.2%), lingual (3.4%), and mesial (2.7%) positions. Using Vertucci’s classification of root canal types, type-I was the most prevalent (65.3%), followed in order by types-III (28.6%), II (4.2%), V (1.5%), and VI (0.4%). Conclusion: Turkish mandibular anterior teeth have intricate anatomy. To enhance comprehension of the complex anatomy of Turkish mandibular incisors and canines, including the numbers of canals and roots and canal configurations, further studies of more patients from diverse regions of Türkiye are needed. The tooth configuration was influenced by gender rather than by tooth position.