Determination of root canal cross-sectional shapes in mandibular central and lateral incisors in Saudi sub-population

Abstract

A comprehensive understanding of the structure of the pulp cavity and root canals is of prime importance to enhance endodontic healing. The root canal system has intricate morphology with wide variation. The goal of the current research was to appraise the root canal cross-sectional shape of mandibular incisors within Saudi sub- populace with help of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) radiographic analysis. The study included 554 mandibular central incisors and 554 mandibular lateral incisors in 340 patients belonging to the age group of 18 to 45 years. Root canal shapes were evaluated at the cervical, middle and in the apex 3^rd using CBCT. Categorical variables were described as frequencies and percentages and analyzed using the chi-square test. The level of significance was set at P <0.05. It was observed that the most commonly occurring root canal cross-sectional shape in mandibular central and lateral incisors in the sub-Saudi Arabian population is round cross-section followed by oval and ribbon shape. Bifurcation is seen in the canals as age progresses. This bifurcation is more common in the middle third of the canal. These findings help in understanding the changes in canal morphology.