JOE APRIL 2011 - Endodontic Management of a Maxillary First Molar with Eight Root Canal Systems Evaluated Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography Scanning: A Case Report

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

Jojo Kottoor, MDS, Natanasabapathy Velmurugan, MDS, and Smitha Surendran, MDS

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 configura- tion. 

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. 

(J Endod 2011;37:715–719)

Key Words

Cone-beam computed tomography scanning, maxillary first molar, root canal anatomy, root canals

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