title: Morphologic variations of maxillary molars palatal root and the importance of its knowledge for endodontic practice: a case series.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present report describes and discusses root canal variations in the internal morphology of maxillary molars.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Dental internal anatomy is directly related to all the technical stages of the endodontic treatment. Even though, in some situations a typical anatomical characteristics can be faced, and the professional should be able to identify them.
  
  
  METHODS
  This clinical report describes five cases with different pulpar and periapical diagnostics where the endodontic treatment was performed, in which during the treatment the unusual occurrence of two or three canals in the palatal root 'or even two distinct palatal roots' of first and second maxillary molars, were described and important details for achieving treatment success were discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The knowledge of tooth internal anatomy must be considered during clinical and radiographic examinations. This should be valued not only to find atypical canals but also to enable calcified canals cleaning and shaping, once they are frequently omitted during endodontic therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Anatomic variations can occur in any tooth, and palatal roots of maxillary first and second molars are no exception. The complexity of the root canal system and the importance of identifying its internal anatomy for planning endodontic treatment increase the chances of success.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Dentistry, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. robks@terra.com.br
authors.forename: Roberta Kochenborger
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Scarparo
authors.forename: Leticia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Moro
authors.forename: Grasiela
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Grundling
authors.forename: Maximiliano
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gomes
authors.forename: Fabiana Soares
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Grecca
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004708:Endodontics / Q000193:education*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla; D008963:Molar / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D011859:Radiography; D012390:Root Canal Therapy; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000033:anatomy & histology*