Micro-CT study of the root canal anatomy of maxillary canines

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe the anatomy of maxillary canines from a Western Mexican sub-population using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Maxillary canines (n=32) were scanned at 19.6µm voxel resolution. Number and location of canals, the distance between the cemento-enamel junction and apex, occurrence of accessory and lateral canals, presence of oval canals, number of foraminas as well as two- (area, perimeter, roundness, aspect ratio, major and minor diameters) and three-dimensional (volume, surface area, and SMI) analysis were performed. Data of two-dimensional analyses at 5 different apical levels was statistically compared using Kruskal-Wallis tests (α=0.05). RESULTS: Overall, 31 specimens had one root with a main canal (Vertucci type I). Mean distance from the apex to the cemento-enamel junction was 16.32±2.27. Apical foraminas were present in 14 specimens (43.75%). No statistical differences were found in the two-dimensional analyses between the foramen and the 1 and 2mm apical levels (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary canines presenting one root canal were present in a high percentage of cases (96%). The prevalence of long oval canals was <12% at the apical third and at least 37% of the sample showed more than one point of exit in the last apical 3mm. Key words:Maxillary canine, micro-computed tomography, root canal anatomy.