Abstract: Objective：To investigate the root canal configuration of mandibular anterior teeth with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: The CBCT imaging data of 866 patients who visited Peking University School of Stomatology from October 2012 to July 2013 were inspected by an endodontist anda radiologists together. A total of 4 674 mandibular anterior teeth were involved. The number of root, root canals and root canal configuration were observed and analyzed statistically (Chi-squared test). Results: All the mandibular central incisors and lateral incisors were single root, and 0.7% (11/1 542) of canines were double roots. 6.7% (105/1 566) of central incisors, 17.4% (273/1 566) of lateral incisors and 3.0% (46/1 542) of canines had double root canals. The frequency of symmetry of double root canal was 58.7% (37/63) in central incisors, 76.1% (108/142) in lateral incisors and 29.6% (8/27) in canines. The highest frequency of double root canals in different ages was 9.8% (28/287, 31-40 years) in central incisors, 21.5% (61/284, 31-40 years) in lateral incisors and 9.2% (19/207, ≥ 51 years) in canines. Vertucci type Ⅲ canal configurations were the most prevalent in mandibular anterior teeth. Conclusion: The double root canals are most common in mandibular lateral incisors. The highest incidence of symmetry of double root canal is also observed in mandibular lateral incisors. Vertucci type Ⅲ canal configurations are the most frequent type in mandibular anterior teeth.

Key words: Cone-beam computed tomography, Incisor, Dental pulp cavity, Cuspid, Mandible