title: Endodontic management of a maxillary first molar with three roots and seven root canals with the aid of cone-beam computed tomography.
abstract: Variation in root canal morphology, especially in maxillary first molar presents a constant challenge for a clinician in their detection and management. This case report describes the successful root canal treatment of a three rooted right maxillary first molar presenting with three canals each in the mesiobuccal and distobuccal roots and one canal in the palatal root. The clinical detection of this morphologic aberration was made using a dental operating microscope, and the canal configuration was established after correlating and computing the clinical, radiographic and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan findings. CBCT images confirmed the configuration of the canals in the mesiobuccal and distobuccal roots to be Al-Qudah and Awawdeh type (3-2) and type (3-2-1), respectively, whereas the palatal root had a Vertucci type I canal pattern. This report reaffirms the importance of careful examination of the floor of the pulp chamber with a dental operating microscope and the use of multiangled preoperative radiographs along with advanced diagnostic aids such as CBCT in identification and successful management of aberrant canal morphologies.
authors: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Institute of Dental Sciences, Bareilly, UP, India.
authors: Gurudutt
authors: G
authors: Nayak
authors: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Kanti Devi Dental College and Hospital, Mathura, UP, India.
authors: Kamal Krishan
authors: KK
authors: Singh
authors: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Kanti Devi Dental College and Hospital, Mathura, UP, India.
authors: Rhitu
authors: R
authors: Shekhar
keywords: Additional canals; Cone-beam computed tomographic imaging; Dental operating microscope; Maxillary first molar; Root canal morphology; Seven root canals