Severity and location of root dilaceration in permanent maxillary anterior and premolar teeth on panoramic radiographs

Abstract

Background. Root dilaceration is an anatomical variation characterized by a sharp angulation of the tooth root that may complicate diagnosis and influence treatment planning, particularly in endodontic and surgical procedures. Objective. To analyze the severity and location of root dilaceration in permanent maxillary anterior and premolar teeth on panoramic radiographs. Methods. A retrospective analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using 224 permanent maxillary teeth with root dilaceration identified on panoramic radiographs. Dilaceration severity was categorized as mild, moderate, or severe, while the location of root curvature was classified into coronal, middle, or apical thirds. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test followed by the Mann–Whitney U test for severity comparison, and the Chi-Square test for distribution of curvature location. Result. Mild root dilaceration was the predominant finding (78.1%) and was mainly located in the apical third (64.3%). Significant differences were observed in both the degree and anatomical location of root dilaceration among maxillary lateral incisors, canines, first premolars, and second premolars (p < 0.001). Maxillary lateral incisors exhibited significantly greater curvature severity than the other tooth groups, whereas canines and premolars predominantly showed mild dilaceration. Conclusion. Significant differences were observed in both the degree and location of root dilaceration among permanent maxillary anterior and premolar teeth, with mild dilaceration predominantly located in the apical third. Maxillary lateral incisors exhibited the greatest morphological variation, followed by canines and premolars.