Abstract: Objective: To investigate root canal morphology of Chinese mandibular incisors by micro-CT. Methods: One hundred and eight mandibular incisors were scanned by micro-CT and root canals were visualized by three-dimensional reconstruction. The morphology of the main root canal was classified, and the location and incidence of the second canal were recorded. Results: The most prevalent canal types were Vertucci type Ⅰ and type Ⅲ. The incidence rates were 78.70% and 14.81%, respectively, and the incidence of branch root canals was 24.07%. The second canal diverged 6.07±3.42mm apical to the cementoenamel junction. Conclusion: The root canal system of mandibular incisors has complex anatomical morphology. It is crucial to get familiar with the main root canal and branch root canal in order to improve the success rate of root canal treatment.

Key words: Mandibular, incisors, Branch, root, canals, Micro-CT, technique