Endodontic Management of Various Canal Morphologies in Maxillary First Molars: A Series of Four Case Reports

Abstract

The success of nonsurgical endodontic management depends on the complete elimination of infection that compromises the tooth function. Thorough knowledge about the root canal anatomy is one of the principal factors in achieving a successful outcome. The morphology of root canals is not always typical. Maxillary molars, known for varied morphology, require advanced imaging modalities such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). This case report describes a series of four maxillary molars with different forms, numbers, and configurations of root canals and with unusual morphology, including a case of a third mesiobuccal (MB3) canal, a case of a second mesiobuccal (MB2) canal with two palatal canals [mesiopalatal (MP) and distopalatal (DP)], a case of three mesiobuccal canals (MB1, MB2, MB3), three distobuccal (DB1, DB2, DB3) canals, and two palatal canals [mesiopalatal (MP) and distopalatal (DP)], and a case of taurodontism, where different access cavity modifications, diagnostic methods, and magnifications were considered.

Keywords

• anatomy
• root canals
• cone-beam computed tomography
• permanent dentition
• maxillary molar teeth