Biomaterial Database

Four canals in the mesial root of a mandibular first molar. A case report under the operating microscope. 2007

Evangelos G Kontakiotis, and Giorgos N Tzanetakis

Department of Endodontics, Dental School, University of Athens, Anthron 2, Patisia, 11143 Athens, Greece. ekontak@dent.uoa.gr

In this era of microscope-assisted endodontics, finding variations in root canal system anatomy is not uncommon. Operating microscopes combined with careful clinical examination and radiographic interpretation can aid the clinician to successfully treat cases with such internal anatomy. The understanding of this view enables the possible location of additional canals in any tooth requiring endodontic treatment. The present clinical article demonstrates a rare anatomical complexity in the mesial root of a mandibular first molar. Four independent root canal orifices were found in this root by clinical detection with the aid of a dental operating microscope. This case shows that additional canals can be located in any root undergoing endodontic treatment and clinicians should always be aware of aberrant internal anatomy.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008297	Male		Males
D008334	Mandible	The largest and strongest bone of the FACE constituting the lower jaw. It supports the lower teeth.	Mylohyoid Groove,Mylohyoid Ridge,Groove, Mylohyoid,Grooves, Mylohyoid,Mandibles,Mylohyoid Grooves,Mylohyoid Ridges,Ridge, Mylohyoid,Ridges, Mylohyoid
D008866	Microsurgery	The performance of surgical procedures with the aid of a microscope.
D008963	Molar	The most posterior teeth on either side of the jaw, totaling eight in the deciduous dentition (2 on each side, upper and lower), and usually 12 in the permanent dentition (three on each side, upper and lower). They are grinding teeth, having large crowns and broad chewing surfaces. (Jablonski, Dictionary of Dentistry, 1992, p821)	Molars
D011671	Pulpitis	Inflammation of the DENTAL PULP, usually due to bacterial infection in dental caries, tooth fracture, or other conditions causing exposure of the pulp to bacterial invasion. Chemical irritants, thermal factors, hyperemic changes, and other factors may also cause pulpitis.	Inflammation, Endodontic,Endodontic Inflammation,Endodontic Inflammations,Inflammations, Endodontic,Pulpitides
D011859	Radiography	Examination of any part of the body for diagnostic purposes by means of X-RAYS or GAMMA RAYS, recording the image on a sensitized surface (such as photographic film).	Radiology, Diagnostic X-Ray,Roentgenography,X-Ray, Diagnostic,Diagnostic X-Ray,Diagnostic X-Ray Radiology,X-Ray Radiology, Diagnostic,Diagnostic X Ray,Diagnostic X Ray Radiology,Diagnostic X-Rays,Radiology, Diagnostic X Ray,X Ray Radiology, Diagnostic,X Ray, Diagnostic,X-Rays, Diagnostic
D003786	Dental Pulp Cavity	The space in a tooth bounded by the dentin and containing the dental pulp. The portion of the cavity within the crown of the tooth is the pulp chamber; the portion within the root is the pulp canal or root canal.	Pulp Canal,Pulp Chamber,Root Canal,Cavities, Dental Pulp,Cavity, Dental Pulp,Dental Pulp Cavities,Pulp Cavities, Dental,Pulp Cavity, Dental,Canal, Pulp,Canal, Root,Canals, Pulp,Canals, Root,Chamber, Pulp,Chambers, Pulp,Pulp Canals,Pulp Chambers,Root Canals
D005500	Follow-Up Studies	Studies in which individuals or populations are followed to assess the outcome of exposures, procedures, or effects of a characteristic, e.g., occurrence of disease.	Followup Studies,Follow Up Studies,Follow-Up Study,Followup Study,Studies, Follow-Up,Studies, Followup,Study, Follow-Up,Study, Followup
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328	Adult	A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available.	Adults