Eight Root Canal Systems Evaluated Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography Scanning: A Case Report

Journal of Endodontics
Volume 37, Issue 5, May 2011, Pages 715-719 

Endodontic Management of a Maxillary First Molar with Eight Root Canal Systems Evaluated Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography Scanning: A Case Report

Jojo Kottoor,^,Natanasabapathy Velmurugan^, Smitha Surendran

Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Chennai Tamil Nadu, India

Introduction - Root canal treatment of maxillary molars presenting with complex root canal configurations can be diagnostically and technically challenging.

Methods - Nonsurgical endodontic therapy of a left maxillary first molar with three roots and eight root canals was successfully performed. This unusual morphology was diagnosed using a dental operating microscope (DOM) and confirmed with the help of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

Results - CBCT axial images showed that both the mesiobuccal and distobuccal root contained a Sert and Bayirli type XV canal, whereas the palatal root showed a Vertucci type II canal configuration.

Conclusions - The use of a DOM and CBCT imaging in endodontically
challenging cases can facilitate a better understanding of the complex root canal anatomy, which ultimately enables the clinician to explore the root canal system and clean, shape, and obturate it more efficiently.