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Prevalence and morphology of lingual canals in mandibular incisors: A CBCT-based cross-sectional study

dentistry
radiology-and-medical-imaging

Abstract

Background : Identifying the presence of the lingual canal in mandibular incisors is essential for the success of endodontic treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the internal anatomy of mandibular incisors by assessing the prevalence, distribution, and spatial location of the lingual canal using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and to investigate demographic factors associated with its occurrence.
Methods: The research adopted an observational, cross-sectional, retrospective, and quantitative approach which aimed at investigating this anatomical feature and associated factors. The research sample included a total of 342 patients, encompassing 1368 mandibular incisor teeth. Results: It was revealed that the overall prevalence of the lingual canal in 8.84% of cases. Significant associations were identified between the presence of the lingual canal and specific demographic variables, such as the sex difference in the occurrence of the lingual canal. Male patients statistically demonstrated a higher probability of presenting the lingual canal compared to female patients (p <0.05). Another point was the influence of age (by group) on the presence of the lingual canal. Notably, group ages between 40 to 49 years and 50 to 59 years exhibited a higher probability of the lingual canal's occurrence (p <0.01). Additionally, the research identified asymmetry in the distribution of the lingual canal in mandibular incisor teeth. Although clinically relevant, it is important to note that the statistical analysis did not reveal significant differences in the spatial location of the lingual canal regarding sex or canal position. Therefore, the lingual canal was more prevalent in the mandibular incisors of male patients compared to females, in older patients compared to younger ones, and on the right side rather than the left. Additionally, the predominant canal configuration was straight canals.
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