Position of apical foramina in permanent maxillary anterior teeth representative of an Indian population: An in vitro Study

Aims: Knowledge of apical anatomy is crucial in performing root canal treatment, and studies on the anatomy of the root apex are an area of interest to the endodontist. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and location of apical foramen (AF) of human extracted permanent maxillary anterior teeth in Indian population by direct observation under a Dental Operating Surgical Microscope (DOM). Materials and Methods: A total of 285 maxillary anterior teeth comprising of 100 central incisors, 85 lateral incisors, and 100 canines from various patients reporting to our hospital based institution were studied. All the specimens were carefully observed with the naked eye followed by DOM evaluation. The root anatomy of each tooth was evaluated for the following parameters: the number of roots, the frequency, and location of the AF. Results: All the maxillary anterior teeth studied were observed to be single rooted. The AF displayed a central exit in 84% of maxillary central incisors, 76% of maxillary lateral incisors, and 15% of maxillary canines. Conclusions: Most of the maxillary central incisors and maxillary lateral incisors displayed a central exit of the AF whereas lateral apical exit was more common in maxillary canines. These morphological findings obtained with the aid of DOM are clinically significant and are to be considered while rendering endodontic treatment of maxillary anterior teeth in Indian population.