Comparative study of Vertucci's and Ahmed's classifications to evaluate the root canal configuration of mandibular incisors in Saudi Arabian subpopulation.

Background &objective: The precise anatomical knowledge of root canals can have positive impact on endodontic treatment outcomes. Recently, a new root canal classification system has been proposed by Ahmed. This study aims to compare Vertucci's and Ahmed's classification systems to analyze canal configuration of mandibular incisors on CBCT scans.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in Dental College of Qassim University, Saudi Arabia from May 2023 to April 2024. CBCT 300 images were obtained. Each mandibular incisor tooth was traced axially from the canal orifice to the apex. The canals were classified according to Vertucci's and Ahmed's classification systems. Analysis was performed by two calibrated observers. Cohen-Kappa value was calculated to determine the inter and intra observer reliability. The data were analyzed by SPSS-version 26.

Results: CBCT analysis showed that 88.9% of teeth studied were Vertucci type 1 and Ahmed's MI. 5.3% fell in Vertucci Type III and Ahmed's MI. 4.4% were of type V Vertucci or Ahmed's MI. 0.6% teeth could not be classified according to Vertucci classification and were classified as MI. Analysis by Chi-Square test revealed no statistically significant difference in distribution of the canal configuration according to gender or tooth type. The inter-observer and intra-observer reliability values were found to be 0.79 and 0.84, respectively.

Conclusion: The majority of the mandibular incisors of the studied Saudi population were categorized as Vertucci Type-1 and Ahmed's MI. Vertucci Type-III and Ahmed's MI were the most frequently encountered canal types in incisors with two canals. Ahmed's classification was successful in classifying the whole study sample, whereas Vertucci's classification was unable to classify five teeth.