Three-dimensional analysis of root canal curvature and direction of maxillary lateral incisors by using cone-beam computed tomography

Authors

Pan Soo Park, Seoul National University School of Dentistry
Kee Deog Kim, Yonsei University
Hiran Perinpanayagam, Schulich School of Medicine & DentistryFollow
Jong Ki Lee, Beautiful Dental Clinic
Seok Woo Chang, Kyung Hee University
Shin Hye Chung, Seoul National University School of Dentistry
Blythe Kaufman, UConn Health
Qiang Zhu, UConn Health
Kamran E. Safavi, UConn Health
Kee Yeon Kum, Seoul National University School of Dentistry

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-2013

Journal

Journal of Endodontics

Volume

39

Issue

9

First Page

1124

Last Page

1129

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1016/j.joen.2013.06.001

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. © 2013 American Association of Endodontists.