Frequency of two canals in mandibular central incisors in Karachi Pakistan: An in-vitro study.

Objective: To determine the frequency of two canals in mandibular central incisors using a radiographic technique in a sample representing Karachi Pakistan. Study Design: Cross-sectional in Vitro study. Setting: Hamdard University Dental Hospital. Period: January, 2022 to July, 2022. Material & Methods: According to inclusion criteria 187 extracted mandibular central incisors were collected, flushed under running tap water. 10% formalin was used as storage media afterwards. The attached periodontal tissues and calculus remaining after extraction were removed using a 1/2 Gracey Curette. Number 2 round bur was used in a high speed hand piece to initiate access chamber opening of the pulp chamber. Irrigation was done with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite to make the pulp chamber clearly visible. Detection and negotiation of second canal were performed by using Dental Operating Microscope. No. 15 K-files were introduced into the main canals. Two peri-apical radiographs were exposed at different angulations using DIGORA OPTIME for confirmation. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 23. Results: Mean age of the patients included in the study were 37.12±12.81 years. According to gender distribution there were 101 (54%) males and 86 (46%) females. Outcome concludes that in mandibular central incisors frequency of two canals was 28.3 %. Conclusion: Presence of two canals in mandibular central incisors among Pakistani population in our study was 28.3%. When endodontic therapy is commenced on these teeth, dentist must consider the possibility of existence of second canal and exercise caution.