In vitro incidence of root canal bifurcation in mandibular incisors by radiovisiography

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify, in vivo and in vitro, the prevalence of root canal bifurcation in mandibular incisors by digital radiography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four hundred teeth were analyzed for the in vivo study. Digital radiographs were taken in an orthoradial direction from the mandibular incisor and canine regions. The digital radiographs of the canine region allowed visualizing the incisors in a distoradial direction using 20º deviation. All individuals agreed to participate by signing an informed consent form. The in vitro study was conducted on 200 mandibular incisors positioned on a model, simulating the mandibular dental arch. Digital radiographs were taken from the mandibular incisors in both buccolingual and mesiodistal directions. RESULTS: The digital radiography showed presence of bifurcation in 20% of teeth evaluated in vitro in the mesiodistal direction. In the buccolingual direction, 17.5% of teeth evaluated in vivo and 15% evaluated in vitro presented bifurcation or characteristics indicating bifurcation. CONCLUSIONS: Digital radiography associated with X-ray beam distally allowed detection of a larger number of cases of bifurcated root canals or characteristics of bifurcation.