title: Endodontic management of a maxillary first molar with eight root canal systems evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography scanning: a case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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 configuration.
  
  
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Chennai Tamil Nadu, India. drkottooran@gmail.com
authors.forename: Jojo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kottoor
authors.forename: Natanasabapathy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Velmurugan
authors.forename: Smitha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Surendran
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003804:Dentin / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008853:Microscopy; D008963:Molar / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010485:Periapical Periodontitis / Q000628:therapy; D011671:Pulpitis / Q000628:therapy; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000379:methods; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000379:methods*