(PR04) 3D Internal Anatomy of the Contralateral Maxillary Central and Lateral Incisors

This ex vivo investigation evaluated the internal anatomy of contralateral maxillary incisors qualitatively and quantitatively by means of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. 72 sound extracted maxillary incisors obtained from 18 patients were included in this study. Teeth were cleaned, sterilized, and mounted in individualized radiolucent jigs for a reproducible position. CBCT scans (0.125 mm voxel size) were taken, and digital data was analyzed using Horos and SICAT software. Data measurements were taken according to clinically relevant parameters. A sample of maxillary incisors presented with the rare developmental malformation dens invaginatus, which was consequentially separated from the further evaluations. The remaining samples included in the study primarily exhibited Vertucci Type I configuration, other than two lateral teeth with apical bifurcations characterized as Vertucci Type V. Most incisors displayed a single pulp horn, absence of pulp stones, and round-shaped canals at the axial cross-sections. Contralateral pairs exhibited no statistically significant difference under most parameters (p>.05) except foramen deviation (symmetry of 58.9%). Additionally, 94% of central incisors had a straight root canal, while 56% of lateral incisors presented apical curvatures, mostly distal in nature. Overall, laterals presented smaller linear dimensions when compared to centrals except root length and root canal diameter measurements taken 1mm short of the apical foramen (p>.05). Contralateral maxillary incisors presented high similarity for most anatomical parameters evaluated. Maxillary lateral incisors presented smaller dimensions overall compared to the central incisors, but both shared a similar root length and laterals indicated a higher incidence of apical curvature.