Prevalence of Two Roots Canals in Mandibular Incisors in Patients Visiting a Dental College (Using Magnification 3.5x)

Abstract

Successful endodontic treatment depends on accurate identification and management of root canal anatomy. Mandibular incisors often exhibit anatomical variations, including the presence of two root canals, which may be overlooked during treatment and contribute to endodontic failure. Vertucci’s classification provides a standardized system for evaluating root canal morphology. The use of magnification aids may improve the detection of additional canals and enhance treatment outcomes. Objective: To determine the frequency of two canals in mandibular incisors according to Vertucci’s classification using a magnifying loupe. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 85 patients at the Department of Operative Dentistry, Peshawar, from December 03, 2023, to June 03, 2024, using a consecutive nonprobability sampling technique. Male and female patients aged 20–60 years with irreversible pulpitis, pulp necrosis, or periapical pathosis involving mandibular incisors were included. Patients with an allergy to local anesthesia, internal root resorption, calcified canals, or pregnancy were excluded. The presence of two canals was defined as two distinct root canals within a single mandibular incisor, confirmed through both clinical and radiographic examination. Canal identification was performed by trained dental professionals using the Same Lingual Opposite Buccal (SLOBE) radiographic technique and a 3.5× magnifying loupe. Root canal morphology was assessed according to Vertucci’s classification. Frequencies of canal configurations were stratified by age, gender, tooth type, and educational status. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the participants was 35.96 ± 11.08 years, and 35 (41.18%) were females. The most frequently examined tooth was the left mandibular lateral incisor (37.65%), followed by the left mandibular central incisor (34.12%). A single canal configuration was observed in 57 (67.06%) teeth, whereas two canals were identified in 28 (32.94%) teeth. A single root was present in 59 (69.41%) teeth. Two canals were more frequently observed in males (64.29% of two-canal cases) and among patients aged 20–40 years (75.0% of two-canal cases). However, no statistically significant associations were found between the presence of two canals and age, gender, educational status, or tooth type (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The frequency of two canals in mandibular incisors was relatively high, being present in approximately one-third of the examined teeth. Clinicians should be aware of these anatomical variations and utilize careful clinical and radiographic assessment, including magnification, to improve canal detection and optimize endodontic treatment outcomes.