Endodontic working length of permanent maxillary central incisors in Nigerians.

Background: The permanent maxillary central incisors are critical to dento-facial aesthetics in humans. Their restoration in the event of periapical infection or traumatic injury to the pulp requires an accurate determination of the root canal working length; an important outcome predictor in endodontic treatments.
Aim: To determine the standard working length of permanent maxillary central incisor in a Nigerian population.
Methods: This study was carried out between March 2008 and June 2010. The study involved Nigerian patients of both gender, receiving endodontic treatment of the permanent maxillary central incisor. The study participants were selected based on a predetermined exclusion and inclusion criteria. The working lengths of the patient's teeth were determined using the radiographic method and Electronic apex locator.
Results: The average working length of the permanent maxillary central incisor of the patient's was 25.0 ± 1.7 mm while the values in males and females were 25.4 ± 1.2mm and 24.4 ± 2.2mm respectively. The male patients had longer working length than the females (P<0.05). The study also revealed that the most common indication for endodontic treatment in permanent maxillary central incisors in the studied population was trauma.
Conclusion: The endodontic working length of permanent maxillary central incisors in adult Nigerian population was greater than that reported in Caucasians and Asians. This variation should serve as an important reference for endodontic procedures in the maxillary central incisors of adult Nigerians and perhaps others nationals from the West Africa sub region.