Root canal anatomy of mandibular incisors with Vertucci’s type III configuration: a micro-CT evaluation

Aim: To evaluate the root canal anatomy of mandibular incisors with Vertucci’s type III configuration. Methodology: Forty mandibular incisors were scanned using a micro-CT to measure canal and dentin volume, bifurcation and merging levels, minor and major diameters, long-short diameter ratio, dentin thickness, degree of curvatures and number of foramens. Results: The apical third showed lower volume of canal and dentin. The bifurcation with the formation of buccal and lingual canals presented a mean of 3.75 mm extension. The cement-enamel junction, bifurcation and merging levels showed major diameter (P < 0.05). The round shaped canals were found in buccal (67.5%), lingual (85%) and apical sections (55%). In apical section dentin thickness ranged from 1.02 mm to 0.52 mm. No specimen showed root curvature and 82.5% of mandibular incisors presented single apical foramen. Conclusion: The morphologic aspects of root canal bifurcation and merging in mandibular incisors Vertucci’s type III do not present a consistent pattern.