Assessment of the root canal configuration of mandibular anterior teeth in the Turkish population; A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: This study aims to combine the findings of various research works that leveraged cone-beam computed tomography to investigate the root morphologies of mandibular anterior teeth (MDA) in the Turkish populace.

Materials and Methods: The researchers adhered to the PRISMA guidelines while conducting this meta-analysis. Information was extracted from each study, including publication details, sample characteristics, tooth-related factors, methodological factors, and quantitative/qualitative results. The Joanna Briggs guidelines scoring system was employed to determine the risk of bias. The prevalence and Odds Ratio (OR) were analyzed using RevMan 5.3, and forest plots were generated.

Results: 10 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of Vertucci I in mandibular central (MDS) and lateral (MDL) was 66%, and for Mandibular canines (MDC), it was 88%. The prevalence of Vertucci III in MDS, MDL, and MDC were 20%, 19%, and 6%. The prevalence of teeth with type II, type IV, and type V Vertucci classifications was found to be less than 9% for MDA. Vertucci I prevalences did not exhibit a significant difference between genders (OR=1.31, 95%CI:0.94, 1.82; p=0.11) or between left and right arches (OR=0.96, 95%CI: 0.84,1.10; p=0.59).

Conclusion: The common notion that MDAs have a single root and canal is not entirely accurate. Nearly one-third of mandibular incisors and one-tenth of MDC display a varied canal configuration. These observations highlight the importance of clinicians being mindful of the prevalence of multiple canal configurations.