Restor Dent Endod.  2013 Aug;38(3):172-177.

Dilemmas pertaining to three canals in the mesiobuccal root of a maxillary second molar: a case report

• Arora A
• Acharya SR
• Saraswathi MV
• Sharma P
• Ather A

Abstract

The mesiobuccal root of the maxillary molars is well known to pose a hindrance during endodontic therapy. Presented here is a case of a maxillary left second molar where three canals were located in its mesiobuccal root with the use of visual and diagnostic aids. Difficulties encountered during the process of unveiling the tooth's internal anatomy were discussed. The dilemmas encountered pertained to the root canal configuration, the nomenclature of the extra canals, and the justification for the presence of a third canal. The root canal configuration of 3-2-1 was confirmed for the mesiobuccal root using information gained from clinical, radiographic, and multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scan findings. This case demonstrates the need for efforts to locate extra canals in the mesiobuccal root of the maxillary molars as their internal anatomy remains a mystery.

Keyword

Canal configuration; Maxillary second molar; Mesiobuccal root; Multidetector computed tomography; Three canals

MeSH Terms

Dental Pulp Cavity
Molar
Multidetector Computed Tomography

Figure

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  Figure 1 Three canals seen in the mesiobuccal root.

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  Figure 2 Radiographic findings. (a) Straight on angulation; (b) Mesial angulation; (c) Distal angulation; (d) Post obturation.

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  Figure 3 MDCT findings. (a) Orifice level; (b) Mid root level; (c) Apical region; (d) Source of artifact.

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  Figure 4 Schematic representation of canal configuration. MB, mesiobuccal; m-MB, middle mesiobuccal; p-MB, palatal mesiobuccal.

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