Vertucci classification

The Vertucci classification is a classification of the different anatomical courses of root canals .

On the basis of 2,400 extracted teeth , Frank J. Vertucci developed a classification in 1984 that differentiates between eight root canal types in the individual root. The teeth were decalcified, stained and cleaned to determine the number of root canals and their different types, the ramifications of the main root canals, the location of the apical foramina and the transverse anastomoses, and the frequency of apical deltas (in many cases the root canal in the apical part has numerous accessory canals from which a so-called apical delta arises). The anatomy and course of the root canals are of particular importance in the root canal treatment of pulpitic or necrotic teeth.

Schematic representation of the root canal courses according to Vertucci

Type	description
Type I.	1 single channel
Type II	2 separate channels merge into one channel shortly before the apex
Type III	1 canal divides and reunites within the root
Type IV	2 separate channels
Type V	1 canal divides into two canals just before the apex
Type VI	2 channels fuse in the center of the root and divide again shortly before the apex
Type VII	1 canal that branches, unites and divides again
Type VIII	3 separate channels

Tooth cross-section: Root canal of a premolar of a Vertucci type I.

According to Vertucci, about 25% of all teeth show deviations of type I, in other populations the deviations can amount to up to 50%. This means that it is very often difficult to determine the course of the pulp in advance in the X-ray image and that only inadequate root canal treatment of partial canals of a tooth is therefore carried out.

Web links

• Frank Paqué Michael Arnold, Die Anatomie von Oberkiefer-Premolaren , ZM-online, 08/2018 from April 16, 2018. Retrieved on August 31, 2019.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Frank J. Vertucci: Root canal anatomy of the human permanent teeth. In: Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology. 58, 1984, p. 589, doi : 10.1016 / 0030-4220 (84) 90085-9 .
2. ^ The anatomy of mandibular premolars , ZM-online, 10/2018 from October 16, 2018. Accessed on August 31, 2019.

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !