Morphological characteristics of mesiobuccal root canals of the first maxillary molars

Multiple root canals in the maxillary molar: an unusual case report

Background

The objective of this report was to highlight the importance of using a dental operating microscope (DOM) to locate supernumerary canals and diagnose variations in root canals using cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images.

Case presentation

A 35-year-old Chinese female had repeated swelling in the upper right posterior maxilla for 3 months and was referred to evaluate symptomatic apical periodontitis and mesotaurodonts for upper right first permanent molar and upper right second permanent molar. Root canal therapy was proposed and conducted with the use of DOM and CBCT.

Conclusions

Proper diagnosis and careful clinicoradiological examination are necessary, and it is essential to reinforce the knowledge of the rare morphology of root canals for clinicians.

The MB3 canal in maxillary molars: a micro-CT study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the internal and external morphologies of the mesiobuccal (MB) root of maxillary molars presenting a third root canal (MB3), using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two-hundred and sixty-five extracted maxillary first and second molars with different root configurations were imaged in a micro-CT scanner at 19.6-μm pixel size. Sixteen teeth presenting MB3 canal were selected and evaluated regarding root configuration, minimal dentine thickness 2 mm under the furcation area, canal configuration of the MB root, MB3 canal morphology (location, independent or confluent orifice, and anatomy types), and the apical anatomy (aspect ratio, number of accessory canals and foramina, presence of isthmus, and independent MB3 foramen).

RESULTS

Overall, a high variability in canal configuration was detected in the MB root. MB3 canal was observed in 10 maxillary first molars and 6 maxillary second molars (n = 16). Minimal dentine thickness related to the MB3 canal at the coronal third was smaller than that of the MB1 canal. A complex internal anatomy comprising 13 different root canal configurations was observed. A high number of independent MB3 orifices at the pulp chamber floor was observed in the first molars (7 out of 10 teeth), while most of the specimens (n = 14) showed a confluent anatomy of the MB3 canal. A varied number of accessory canals and foramina were observed. At the apical third, isthmus could be observed in 6 specimens, while an independent MB3 foramen was present in 37.5% of the MB roots.

CONCLUSIONS

MB3 canal is a rare anatomical variation present in maxillary first and second molars. Its presence can be associated to a complex internal anatomy of the MB root which includes the presence of isthmuses and multiple accessory canals and foramina at the apical third, but also a thin dentine thickness at the coronal third and a confluent anatomy of the MB3 with the other main canals.

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study of the Root Canal Morphology of Mandibular Anterior Teeth in Serbian Population

The aim of this study is to describe the morphological characteristics, the number of roots and number of root canals of mandibular central incisors, lateral incisors and canines, and the relationship of these characteristics with the sex and the jaw side where the tooth is located, in the Serbian population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

CBCT images of a total of 902 mandible front teeth, including 296 central incisors, 294 lateral incisors and 312 canines were analyzed in the database. For assessing the morphology of the root canal, Vertucci method of classification was used.

Central incisors had two canals in 27%, similar as lateral incisor which had two canals in 26.5%. Mandibular canines had two canals in 7.1% and there was a significant difference between genders. The most prevalent root canal configuration type in all mandibular anterior teeth was type I. In the groups of mandibular incisors with two root canals the most common was type III. In the group of mandibular canines with two root canals, type V had the greatest occurrence.

Most mandibular anterior teeth had one root canal. Two root canals were found in 27% of the mandibular incisors. There is a significant difference in root morphology between genders. It is important for dental practitioner to expect different morphological variations when performing endodontic treatment. More studies are needed to further define morphological characteristics of roots of mandibular anterior teeth in Serbian population.

Three root canals in the mesiobuccal root of maxillary molars: case reports and literature review

INTRODUCTION

The knowledge of root canal anatomy is essential to ensure a successful outcome of surgical and nonsurgical root canal treatment. The aims of this article were to present 2 cases of maxillary molars with 3 mesiobuccal root canals and to review the available literature on this anatomic variation.

METHODS

The first case described a nonsurgical root canal treatment of tooth #16 in a 29-year-old man with the aid of a dental operating microscope. In the second case, an extracted maxillary right first molar was scanned by a micro-computed tomographic system and reconstructed 3-dimensionally using modeling software.

RESULTS

In both cases, the mesiobuccal root had 3 canals (type 3-2 in case I and type 3-3 in case II), whereas the distobuccal and palatal roots had a single canal. The literature review showed that the overall incidence of 3-canaled mesiobuccal roots in maxillary molars ranged from 1.3%-2.4% and that the most common root canal configuration was type 3-2.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should always anticipate the presence of extra canals in maxillary molars and use all the available tools to locate and treat these.