title: Identification of independent middle mesial canal in mandibular first molar using cone-beam computed tomography imaging.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The root canal treatment of a mandibular molar with aberrant canal configuration can be diagnostically and technically challenging.
  
  
  METHODS
  This case report presents the clinical management of a mandibular first molar with three separate mesial canals including middle mesial canal, which was confirmed by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Posttreatment images revealed three independent root canals in the mesial root obturated efficiently to the accepted lengths in all three canals.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This case report highlights the usefulness of CBCT imaging for accurate diagnosis and management of the unusual canal morphology.
authors.affiliation: Seoul-Miso Dental Clinic, Department of Conservative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Wonkwang University, Iksan, South Korea.
authors.forename: Sung-Ho
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: La
authors.forename: Dong-Ho
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.forename: Eun-Cheol
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Kyung-San
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Min
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible; D008963:Molar / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D019252:Radiography, Dental, Digital / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome