Maxillary incisor internal root anatomy evaluated by cone-beam computed tomography in a population of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Abstract

In the field of anthropology, discrete traits are considered as minimal epigenetic variations. However, they can elicit complications in endodontic therapy. Thorough understanding of root canal morphology is essential to achieving predictable results in endodontic practice, and may be attained by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. The aim of the present study was to research the internal root anatomy of maxillary central and lateral incisors in vivo and quantify its variation in a population of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina. A total 697 CBCT scans from a pre-existing database were observed, and the configuration type for each tooth was determined according to Vertucci's classification. The data were described by absolute frequencies and percentages with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The CI was estimated by the Wilson Score method. Chi-square test (χ2) was used for comparing frequencies, with a 5% significance level. 238 CBCT scans met the inclusion criteria, resulting in 761 teeth assessed. Vertucci Type I configuration was observed in 760 teeth (99.9%) and the Type II was found in only one tooth (0.1%), in which the anatomy was compatible with dens in dente. When differences were analyzed according to sex, all the teeth in all women had Vertucci Type I configuration. In men, all maxillary central incisors were Vertucci Type I. Of 151 maxillary lateral incisors, 150 had Vertucci Type I configuration (99.3%) and 1 had Type II (0.7%). Conclusions: Maxillary incisor internal root anatomy prevalence was estimated from CBCT scans for the first time in an Argentine population. 99.9% of the sample presented Vertucci Type I configuration, and 0.1% had Vertucci Type II configuration. The clinical finding of maxillary incisors with anatomical complexity should be considered as a possibility in endodontic practice.