The purpose of this investigation was to assess and characterize the root canal anatomy of mandibular incisors in a cohort drawn from the Indian subpopulation through the use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 872 CBCT scans of permanent mandibular incisors (both central and lateral) from individuals of Indian descent who presented to the radiology division of a dental teaching hospital from 2014 through 2023. Each tooth was evaluated for the quantity of roots and canals, as well as the canal configuration patterns as defined by Vertucci’s classification. The imaging data were reviewed, and a statistical evaluation of the findings was conducted. Of the entire sample of 872 incisors, among the male participants, 472 (99.8%) exhibited a single root, whereas 1 (0.2%) displayed two roots. Among the 400 incisors from female participants, 396 (99.0%) possessed one root, and 4 (1.0%) had two roots. Examining the 436 incisors on the right side, the predominant configuration observed was type 1 in 187 cases (42.9%), followed by type 2 in 112 (25.7%), type 3 in 86 (19.7%), type 4 in 43 (9.9%), type 5 in 6 (1.4%), and type 6 in 2 (0.4%). Regarding the 436 incisors on the left side, type 1 again prevailed, seen in 179 (41.0%), with type 2 in 110 (25.2%), type 3 in 105 (24.1%), type 4 in 38 (8.7%), type 5 in 2 (0.4%), and type 6 in 2 (0.4%). The frequency patterns of Vertucci’s classification showed no statistically significant difference between right- and left-sided teeth within the study population (P > 0.05). In contrast, the prevalence of differing root counts varied significantly when analyzed across the distinct age brackets of the subjects. Among the right-sided incisors totaling 436, a single root was noted in 433, while two roots were found in 3. Of the 436 left-sided incisors, 434 (99.5%) had a single root, with 2 (0.5%) possessing two. The distribution of root numbers did not reveal a significant difference between the right- and left-side tooth groups. Mandibular central and lateral incisors exhibited no statistically significant sex-based differences concerning either the number of canals or their morphological configurations. Root number distribution, however, differed significantly across age categories. No significant difference was detected in root number distribution between right- and left-sided teeth within the study group. CBCT represents the optimal imaging modality for the meticulous evaluation of the root canal complex. Consequently, thorough radiographic assessment to guide the boundaries of access cavity preparation, supplemented by the application of a dental operating microscope for superior visualization, can aid practitioners in detecting and instrumenting supplementary canals.
