title: A mandibular third molar with three mesial roots: a case report.
abstract: Although its most common configuration is 2 roots and 3 root canals, mandibular molars might have many different combinations. A case of unusual root canal morphology is presented to demonstrate anatomic variations in mandibular molars. Endodontic therapy was performed in a mandibular third molar with 3 separate mesial roots. The appearance of the pulp chamber floor revealed 4 separate canal orifices. Radiographically the 4 root canals ended in their own distinct foramen. Many reports deal with 3 orifices or 3 independent canals in the mesial root, but none described 3 mesial canals in 3 separate mesial roots, indicating a rare anatomic configuration. This report points out the importance of looking for additional canals and unusual canal morphology, because knowledge of their existence might occasionally enable clinicians to treat a case successfully that otherwise might have ended in failure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endodontics, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. gplotino@fastwebnet.it
authors.forename: Gianluca
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Plotino
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000628:therapy; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000002:abnormalities*; D003790:Dental Pulp Necrosis / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000473:pathology*; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000379:methods; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000473:pathology*