Topics

Topic

design image
Root of lower canines tooth

The root of the lower canine tooth is a single, conical, and elongated structure anchoring the mandibular canine (tooth number 22 or 27 in universal numbering) into the alveolar bone. It is typically longer than the crown, tapering toward the apex, and slightly curved, often bending distally. The root contains the pulp canal, which houses the neurovascular bundle supplying the tooth, including the inferior alveolar nerve branches. The periodontal ligament (PDL) surrounds the root, providing attachment to the alveolar bone and allowing minor physiologic movement during mastication. The root’s morphology is important for endodontic treatment, surgical extraction, orthodontic movement, and radiologic evaluation.

Synonyms

  • Mandibular canine root

  • Lower cuspid root

  • Inferior canine root

Function

  • Anchors the tooth firmly within the alveolar bone

  • Houses the pulp canal, providing vascular and neural supply to the tooth

  • Transmits occlusal forces to the surrounding alveolar bone via the periodontal ligament

  • Maintains tooth stability and alignment within the dental arch

MRI Appearance
T1-weighted images:

  • The root appears as a low-to-intermediate signal intensity structure within the hyperintense fatty marrow of the alveolar bone

  • Pulp canal may appear slightly hyperintense relative to surrounding dentin

  • Cortical bone of the root is hypointense, sharply delineating the outline

T2-weighted images:

  • Root dentin remains intermediate signal, while pulp canal may appear hyperintense, reflecting fluid content

  • Surrounding marrow is hyperintense, aiding in root visualization and detection of periapical pathology

STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery):

  • Fat suppression highlights edema or inflammation in the periapical region

  • Normal root appears hypointense; periapical infections, cysts, or osteolytic lesions appear hyperintense

CT Appearance

  • The root is hyperdense cortical bone with a central lower-density pulp canal

  • Surrounded by the alveolar bone, which shows intermediate density

  • Periapical lesions, fractures, or resorption are easily visualized as areas of reduced bone density

  • CT provides excellent visualization of root length, curvature, number of canals, and proximity to the mandibular canal

  • Air-filled oral cavity or sinus (if near the maxilla) appears hypodense, providing natural contrast

MRI images

Root of lower canines tooth mri sagittal image -img-00000-00000_00001