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. 2024 May 23;28(6):335.
doi: 10.1007/s00784-024-05727-x.

Micro-computed tomographic analysis of the morphology of maxillary lateral incisors

Thomas Gerhard Wolf  1   2 , Theodora Rempapi  3 , Sven Schumann  4 , Guglielmo Campus  3   5 , Gianrico Spagnuolo  6 , Niccolò Giuseppe Armogida  6 , Andrea Lisa Waber  3
Affiliations

Micro-computed tomographic analysis of the morphology of maxillary lateral incisors

Thomas Gerhard Wolf et al. Clin Oral Investig. .

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the morphology of maxillary lateral incisors (MxLI) using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT).

Materials and methods: The root canal configurations (RCC) of maxillary lateral incisors (MxLI) of a mixed Swiss-German population were examined using micro-CT, 3D imaging, and a 4-digit system code indicating the main root canal from coronal to apical thirds and the main foramina number.

Results: The most frequently observed RCC of MxLI were 1-1-1/1 (Vertucci I/Ve I, 80.0%), 1-1-2/2 (Ve V, 7.3%), 1-2-1/1 (Ve III, 6.4%), 2-1-1/1 (Ve II, 1.8%), and 1-1-1/2 (1.8%)(n = 110). Three additional RCC were observed less frequently (0.9%). The MxLI showed one physiological foramen in 89.1%, two in 9.1%, and seldom three (1.8%). Most accessory canals were identified in the apical third of a root (20.0%), and no accessory canals in 72.7% of the samples.

Conclusions: Detailed information on the internal morphology of MxLI of a Swiss-German population is given. The most frequently observed RCC of MxLI is 1-1-1/1 (Ve I). However, accessory canals may occur in all apical thirds, and 20% of all teeth investigated showed a challenging RCC for clinical treatment.

Clinical relevance: This study offers clinicians comprehensive data on MxLI morphology, emphasizing the significance of understanding varied RCC and accessory canal presence for improving root canal treatment outcomes. Over 25% of teeth exhibited complex RCC or accessory canals, influencing decisions during root canal treatment.

Keywords: Analysis, intern morphology; Maxillary lateral incisor; Micro-computed tomography; Root canal configuration.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Micro-CT images of two maxillary lateral incisors with a RCC 1-1-1/2 with two accessory foramina (left) and a RCC of 1-2-1/1 with one accessory foramen (right). The enamel is colored with white, the pulp and root canal system with red and the dentin with a transparent gray
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Micro-CT images of maxillary lateral incisors with a RCC of 1-1-1/1 and four accessory foramina (left) and no accessory foramina (right)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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