The prevalence of oval-shaped root canals: A morphometric study using cone-beam computed tomography and image...

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Anatomy
• Radiology

Background:

• Root canal morphology significantly impacts endodontic treatment outcomes.
• Understanding root canal shape, particularly oval canals, is crucial for effective cleaning and obturation.
• Prevalence data on oval root canal shapes across different tooth levels and groups are essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prevalence of oval-shaped root canals at apical, medial, and coronal cross-sections in all tooth groups.
• To classify root canal shapes based on diameter ratios using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
• To assess the reliability of CBCT and image analysis software for determining root canal morphology.

Main Methods:

• Utilized CBCT imaging and specialized image analysis software for quantitative assessment.
• Calculated the long/short diameter ratio for each root canal at apical, medial, and coronal levels.
• Classified root canal shapes based on calculated diameter ratios across all tooth groups.

Main Results:

• Oval-shaped canals were prevalent, observed in 45% (apical), 50% (medial), and 56% (coronal) of all teeth examined.
• Mandibular central incisors at the apical level showed 24% oval, 28% long oval, and 2% flat canals.
• A statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in oval canal distribution was noted in mandibular molars across cross-sectional levels.

Conclusions:

• Oval root canal shapes are common and increase in prevalence from the apex to the crown.
• CBCT analysis with image software offers a reliable and reproducible method for objective root canal shape determination.
• This objective assessment is valuable for future endodontic research and clinical practice.