The anatomy of two-rooted mandibular canines determined using micro-computed tomography.

AIM: To investigate the internal and external anatomy of extracted human mandibular canines with two roots and two distinct canals using micro-computed tomography (μCT).

METHODOLOGY: Fourteen two-rooted human mandibular canines were scanned using a high-resolution μCT system (SkyScan 1174v2; SkyScan N.V., Kontich, Belgium). The images were processed to evaluate the size of the roots, the furcation regions, the presence of accessory canals, the mean distances between several anatomical landmarks, the position of the apical foramina, the direction of root curvatures, the cross-sectional appearances (SMI index), the volume and surface areas of the root canals.

RESULTS

Root bifurcation was located in both apical (44%, n = 6) and middle (58%, n = 8) thirds of the root. The size of the buccal and lingual roots was similar in 29% of the sample. From a buccal view, no curvature towards the lingual or buccal direction occurred in either roots. From a proximal view, no straight lingual root occurred. In both views, S-shaped roots were found in 21% of the specimens. Location of the apical foramen varied considerably, tending to the mesio-buccal aspect of both roots. Lateral and furcation canals were observed mostly in the cervical third in 29% and 65% of the sample, respectively. The structure model index (SMI) index ranged from 1.87 to 3.86, with a mean value of 2.93 ± 0.46. Mean volume and area of the root canals were 11.52 ± 3.44 mm(3) and 71.16 ± 11.83 mm(2), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The evaluation of two-rooted mandibular canines revealed that bifurcations occurred in the apical and middle third. S-shaped roots were found in 21% of the specimens. Mean volume, surface area and SMI index of the root canals were 11.52 mm(3), 71.16 mm(2) and 2.93, respectively.