Morphological Analysis of Anterior Permanent Dentition in Chinese population via Cone-beam Computed Tomography

Abstract Background Investigation of roots and canals is crucial in clinical assessment and treatment. Morphologies such as root length, cemento-enamel junction curvature (CEJ-C), root furcation and canal variations remain to be clarified. Methods In this retrospective study, we look into 4309 anterior teeth from 441 patients via cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in Chinese population, attempting to summarize the morphological characteristics of maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth. Results Maxillary (95% CI(mm): 13(16.57, 16.97), 23(16.31, 16.76)) and mandibular (95% CI(mm): 33(15.38, 15.72), 43(15.23, 15.57)) canines are observed with elevated root length compared with corresponding incisors (p < .0001, One-way ANOVA), while those of mandibular central (95% CI(mm): 31(12.07, 12.31), 41(12.10, 12.35)) and lateral (95% CI(mm): 32(13.23, 13.48), 42(13.27, 13.54)) incisor varied with significant difference (p < .0001, One-way ANOVA). The CEJ-C reveals significant increasement around incisors (95% CI(mm): 12(2.44, 2.60), 11(2.48, 2.63), 21(2.40, 2.55), 22(2.23, 2.39)) than canines (95% CI(mm): 13(1.95, 2.10), 23(1.83, 1.97)) in maxilla (p < .0001, Kruskal-Wallis). Root furcation is detected in mandibular canines and lateral incisors. Moreover, all types of Vertucci’s classification are noticed with two other new types. Conclusions The current findings help to optimize the root morphological understanding of Chinese population especially in endodontics. Moreover, CEJ-C facilitates clinical aesthetic interpretation and treatment in implantology and prosthodontic. However, further study should be carried out to investigate morphologies in-depth.