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Prevalence of mandibular biradicular canines using cone-beam computed tomography. A cross-sectional study
Carla Melani Mayan-Revollo1, Jhoana Mercedes Llaguno-Rubio2, Gustavo Adolf Fiori-Chíncharo2
1Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Centro Universitário do Norte de São Paulo (UNORTE), São Paulo, Brazil.
Background:
Mandibular biradicular canines correspond to a rare anatomical variant. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of mandibular biradicular canines using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in order to enable timely recognition of this clinically relevant condition, as it influences the planning and success of procedures in specialties such as endodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery, among others.
Materials And Methods:
A cross-sectional and retrospective study was conducted analyzing 1130 CBCT volumes acquired with a Planmeca ProMax 3D MID scanner at a resolution of 200 µm, performed between October 2024 and October 2025 in a private imaging center in La Paz, Bolivia. The root morphology of mandibular canines was evaluated in patients older than 13 years in whom this area could be properly assessed. Three-dimensional evaluation was performed using Romexis 6 software in the multiplanar reconstruction window. Each canine was centered along its longitudinal axis, and a sweep was performed from crown to apex, in the coronal plane from buccal to lingual, and in the sagittal plane from mesial to distal, allowing visualization of root bifurcations. The presence of anatomical variants was then recorded. Fisher's exact test and Student's t-test were used, with a significance level of P < 0.05.
Results:
The study revealed a prevalence of 1.7% for this condition. Women showed a higher incidence (2.3%) compared to men (0.8%). Most cases were unilateral, with a predominance of root bifurcation at the middle third. Notably, 100% of identified cases presented a buccolingual orientation of the roots, a finding of clinical importance due to the potential for structural superimposition.
Conclusions:
The results underscore the importance of considering this anatomical variant during the planning of dental treatments, particularly in endodontic, orthodontic, and surgical procedures, to avoid complications. Although its prevalence is low, recognizing this variant can contribute to improved treatment prognosis in affected patients.