title: Use of cone-beam computed tomography and three-dimensional modeling for assessment of anomalous pulp canal configuration: a case report.
abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans appears to be a valuable method for assessing pulp canal configuration. The aim of this report is to describe endodontic treatment of a mandibular second premolar with aberrant pulp canal morphology detected by CBCT and confirmed by 3D modeling. An accessory canal was suspected during endodontic treatment of the mandibular left second premolar in a 21 year old woman with a chief complaint of pulsating pain. Axial cross-sectional CBCT scans revealed that the pulp canal divided into mesiobuccal, lingual, and buccal canals in the middle third and ended as four separate foramina. 3D modeling confirmed the anomalous configuration of the fused root with a deep lingual groove. Endodontic treatment of the tooth was completed in two appointments. The root canals were obturated using lateral compaction of gutta-percha and root canal sealer. The tooth remained asymptomatic and did not develop periapical pathology until 12 months postoperatively. CBCT and 3D modeling enable preoperative evaluation of aberrant root canal systems and facilitate endodontic treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey.
authors.forename: Alper
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sinanoglu
authors.affiliation: Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey.
authors.forename: Dilek
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Helvacioglu-Yigit
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ibrahim
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Mutlu
keywords: C-shaped canal; Cone-beam computed tomography; Fused root; Mandibular second premolar; Three-dimensional modeling