Three-dimensional Analysis of Root Canal Curvature and Direction of Maxillary Lateral Incisors by Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Root canal curvature can affect the technical quality of endodontic treatment. Prior studies measured canal curvature mainly by 2-dimensional radiography. The aim of this study was to measure the 3-dimensional (3D) root canal curvature and canal direction of maxillary lateral incisors by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and mathematical modeling. METHODS: The CBCT images of 186 maxillary lateral incisors from 110 patients were used to measure 3D root canal curvature by using V-works and kappa software. In addition, the direction of each root canal was determined by measuring the orientation of the apical one-third with respect to the coronal two-thirds. RESULTS: All 186 maxillary lateral incisors were found to have canal curvature that was mainly oriented in the disto-palatal direction. The point of maximum curvature was located 0.5 mm from the root apex. CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary lateral incisors have 3D canal curvature that is maximal near the root apex, oriented in the disto-palatal direction. These CBCT analyses provide valuable information for root canal instrumentation of maxillary lateral incisors.