Evaluation of root and canal morphologies of permanent canines in a Saudi Arabian sub population using cone-beam computed tomography

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Failure to identify and treat the root canal system in its entirety has been known to be one of the leading causes of unsuccessful root canal treatment (RCT). This study aims to retrospectively assess the permanent canines in a Saudi Arabian sub population for the number of roots, root canal morphologies and the presence of symmetry among them using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT scans belonging to 945 patients were screened. A total of 1880 permanent canines, 928 pertaining to maxilla and 952 pertaining to mandible were analyzed for the number of roots, root canal morphologies and the presence of symmetry among them. Comparative evaluation between genders was done using Fisher's exact test, since majority of the groups had expected count of less than 5. A calculated P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Chi square test was used for statistical analysis of the data. Intra operator variability was observed using Cohen's Kappa test. RESULTS: Single root was observed in 100% and 98.7% of the maxillary and mandibular canines respectively. Two roots were identified in 1.3% of the MnC's. Type I (97.48%), Type II (0.21%), Type III (1.05%) and Type V (1.26%) Vertucci canal configurations (VC) were observed in MnC's. Statistical significant difference was observed concerning the number of roots and canal morphology according to Vertucci in the mandibular canines. No difference was observed according to Ahmed et al. classification system. Moreover, there was no gender based difference seen among them. CONCLUSION: More variable root and canal morphologies are observed in MnC's, although single root with Type I VC is the most common.