Evaluation of Symmetry and Morphology in Mandibular Permanent Anterior Teeth Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in an Iranian Population.

INTRODUCTION: Achieving successful root canal treatment requires detailed understanding of the root canal. A clear and detailed understanding of the root canal anatomy of mandibular anterior teeth is of great importance for endodontists. Several techniques have been introduced for evaluating root canal morphology, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The current study applied CBCT to evaluate the root canal configurations and symmetry patterns in the lower anterior teeth in an Iranian sample. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 148 CBCT images from 148 patients at the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Clinic were chosen on the basis of predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 852 permanent mandibular anterior teeth were examined to determine the number of roots and canals, and the canal morphology was categorized on the basis of Vertucci's system, as well as symmetry, utilizing CBCT image analysis. The results were compared based on gender and the right versus left side of the mandible. RESULTS: Participant ages ranged between 16 and 60 years, with an average age of 36.76 ± 9.67 years; 44.6% were male and 55.4% were female. Both the lateral and central incisors consistently showed a single root, whereas 3.2% of canines had a secondary root. Second canals were found in 32.6% of centrals, 29.7% of laterals, and 6.1% of canines. The most commonly observed type of Vertucci root canal morphology was type I, followed by type III for incisors, while type I was also predominant in canines. The symmetry rates for centrals, laterals, and canines were 90.1%, 93.1%, and 91.4%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the number of roots and canals, morphological frequency, or symmetry between female and male patients or between both sides of the mandible. CONCLUSION: Mandibular anterior teeth predominantly exhibit single-rooted structures with one root canal. Vertucci type I morphology is the most prevalent among these teeth, with morphological frequency unaffected by jaw side or sex. Additionally, the findings indicate a high degree of symmetry among mandibular anterior teeth, with no significant differences between genders.