Micro-computed tomographic analysis of the morphology of maxillary canines.

Objective This study aimed to examine the morphology of maxillary canines (MxCs) by means of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Materials And Methods The root canal configurations (RCCs) of 97 maxillary canines of a mixed Swiss-German population were analyzed using micro-CT. After representing the internal morphology by 3-D software imaging, the RCC results were described using a four-digit system code indicating the main root canal from coronal to apical thirds and the main foramina number. Results The most frequently observed RCCs of the MxC of the Swiss-German population were 1-1-1/1 (77.3%), followed by 1-1-1/2 (14.4%), 1-1-2/2 (4.1%), and finally 1-1-1/3 and 1-2-1/1 with 2.1% each. One physiological foramen was observed in 79.4% of the samples, two in 18.6%, and only 2.1% had three foramina. In 52.6% of the MxC samples, accessory and connecting canals were identified, with the majority located in the apical third of the root. Conclusions This study contributes detailed information about the RCCs of MxC. The most prevalent RCC is 1-1-1/1, with accessory or connecting canals present in over half of the samples. However, it is noteworthy that in more than one-fifth of the examined samples, a particularly challenging RCC was observed. This should be considered when selecting treatment techniques. Clinical Relevance This study presents the root canal configurations in maxillary canines of a Swiss-German population and emphasizes the importance of influencing endodontic treatment decisions and outcomes.