Using spiral computed tomography for endodontic management of a mandibular first molar with a middle mesial canal: a case report.
The root canal anatomy of a permanent mandibular first molar has been traditionally described as 2 roots--1 mesial and 1 distal--with 2 canals in the mesial root and 1 or 2 canals in the distal root. Nonetheless, other possibilities exist. The presence of a third canal in the mesial root has been reported to have an incidence of 0%-17%. Conventional radiographs are routinely used to determine root canal anatomy; however, these are 2-dimensional representations of a 3-dimensional object. Advanced diagnostic methods that can provide 3-dimensional data, such as spiral computed tomography (SCT), is very helpful in determining complex morphology. This case report presents the management of a mandibular first molar with 3 mesial and 2 distal canals, confirmed with the aid of both SCT and conventional radiographic methods.
Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, K.D. Dental College and Hospital, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
B Gurudutt
BG
Nayak
Inderpreet
I
Singh
D000328:Adult; D063405:Anatomic Variation; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods; D008963:Molar / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods; D011671:Pulpitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000379:methods; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed / Q000379:methods*