A maxillary lateral incisor with four root canals

AIM

To describe the successful non-surgical endodontic management of a permanent maxillary lateral incisor tooth with four root canals.

SUMMARY

Aberrant morphology of root canals can occur in any tooth, including maxillary lateral incisors. In the presented case, clinical examination and radiographs clearly depicted the presence of four root canals in a right maxillary lateral incisor. The differential diagnosis included fusion, gemination, dens invaginatus or a combination of these. The report emphasises the need for attention during root canal treatment of maxillary lateral incisors.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

• Clinicians should be aware of the variable root canal anatomy in maxillary lateral incisor teeth. • Careful examination of radiographs and the internal anatomy of teeth are essential prerequisites for successful root canal treatment. • Four root canals in maxillary lateral incisors is a possibility.

Middle distal canal of the mandibular first molar: a case report and literature review

AIM

To present a clinical case report in a mandibular first molar with a middle distal canal, along with a review of the literature.

SUMMARY

With the use of magnification, either by microscopes or by loupes, there is an increasing possibility of detecting additional canals. The present case describes root canal treatment in a mandibular first molar with two roots and a Sert and Bayirli Type XVIII canal configuration in the distal root. The presence of a three canals in the distal root of mandibular first molars has been reported to have an incidence of 0.2-3%.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

* Clinicians should be aware of the variable root canal anatomy in the distal root of mandibular first molars. * Use of magnification helps to identify and locate additional root canals. * Three root canals in the distal root of mandibular first molar teeth might occur.