Root Canal System Variation in Mandibular Second Molar: Middle-Mesial Canal

Middle-mesial canals in mandibular molars are present in the population depending on age, sex and ethnicity. However, limited literature alludes to its prevalence. Troughing procedures may enhance identification, cleaning and shaping. This case report expresses the recognition and management of middle-mesial canal in a mandibular second molar of 24 years old Hispanic-Latino male.

Root Canal Treatment Outcome and Restorative Condition of Teeth Treated by Undergraduates—A Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation

Background: The aim was to evaluate the nonsurgical Root Canal Treatment (nRCT) outcome, the restorative condition and the relationship between the coronal restoration quality and the outcome of teeth endodontic treated by undergraduates at the University of Caxias do Sul School of Dentistry (UCS-SD), Brazil, between 2019 and 2021. Materials and Methods: Data from the endodontically treated cases were retrieved, and the patients were recalled for a follow-up appointment at the university. The endodontic diagnosis, radiographs, and the presence of definitive restorations were analyzed in the clinical records. During the follow-up appointment, endodontically treated teeth were classified as present or absent. The nRCT was classified as successful (complete or incomplete healing) or failure (uncertain or unsatisfactory healing). Coronal restoration was classified as absent or present. When it was present, it was classified as permanent or temporary, and its quality as adequate or inadequate restoration. The results were presented as percentages. Results: A total of 257 teeth were endodontically treated. The most prevalent diagnosis was Chronic Apical Periodontitis (33.33%) and the most commonly treated teeth were premolars (46.15%). A total of 52 (21%) treated teeth were clinically and radiographically reexamined. The success rate for the nRCT was 98.08%. About 61.54% of this sample had a definitive composite resin restoration. Conclusion: The nRCT success rate was high. Special attention should be given to the presence and quality of the definitive restoration. Clinical Implications: There was no statistically significant impact between the coronal restoration and the nRCT success (P > 0.05).

Tooth anatomy risk factors influencing root canal working length accessibility

The aim of this study was to analyze the specific influence of root canal anatomy on the accessibility of working length during root canal therapy. Four hundred seventy-six root canal therapy cases （amounting to a total of 1 005 root canals） were examined. The anatomy risk factors assessed in each case included： tooth type （tooth location）, root canal curvature, and root canal calcification, as well as endodontic retreatment. The investigation examined the correlation between each of these anatomic factors and the working length, with statistical analysis consisting of Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analysis. In an independent factor analysis, tooth type （tooth iocation）, root canal curvature, canal calcification, and endodontic retreatment were determined to be the primary risk factors. In a multiple-factor regression model, root curvature and canal calcification were found to most significantly influence root canal working length accessibility （P〈0.05）. Root canal anatomy increases the difficulty of root canal preparation. Appropriate consideration of tooth anatomy will assist in accurate determination of preparation difficulty before instrumentation. This study alerts clinical therapists to anatomical factors influencing the working length accessibility, and allows for a direct estimate of success rate given in situ measurements of tooth factors during the root canal treatment procedure.

Three-dimensional inlay-guided endodontics applied in variant root canals: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Root canal retreatment is common after root canal therapy in clinical situations.Especially,completing the retreatment of variant root canals can be challenging.This is particularly true for the molars located at the end of the dental arch.However,advancements in digital dental diagnosis and treatment techniques can solve these problems.Here,we describe a case of a maxillary second molar with a variant distobuccal root canal treated via a novel“inlay-guided endodontics”technique based on improved computer-generated programs.CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old man complained of a defect in the maxillary left second molar.The tooth,diagnosed with post-treatment endodontic disease,was initially treated by conventional methods,which were ineffective.Our“inlay-guided endodontics”technique was subsequently adopted,with the establishment of a precise integrated three-dimensional(3D)plate model of cone-beam computed tomography data and a digital impression of the dentition.An optimal root canal approach was generated for the“virtual file”in the 3D model.The plate data were imported into a 3D printer and printed.With the help of the guide plate,the file was accurately placed into the cervical third of the distal root canal.The root canal and prosthodontic treatments successfully proceeded subsequently.CONCLUSION Our newly developed inlay guide plates may facilitate individualized and minimally invasive root canal treatment.

Efficacy of Solution Form of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid on Removing Smear Layer of Root Canal at Different Exposure Time In Vitro

Summary： This study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of solution form of 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid （EDTA） on removing smear layer of root canals at different exposure time periods and to provide scientific basis for EDTA as a choice of root canal irrigation in clinical practice. Twenty-five single-rooted teeth were randomly divided into 5 groups： control group （group A） was given 2.5% NaOC1, and 4 experimental groups were given 2.5% NaOC1 and 17% EDTA, including groups B, C, D and E with exposure time of 1, 3, 5 and 7 min, respectively. After preparation of the root canals, the teeth were split along their longitudinal axis, and the root sections were examined under scanning elec- tron microscope for evaluation of smear layer removal and erosion on the surface of the root canal walls. The specimens in group B showed presence of smear layer on the walls of the root canal with no statistical difference from that in group A （P〉0.05）. In groups C and D, partial removal of smear layer was obtained, and there was no significant difference between the two groups （P〉0.05）, but there was significant difference in removal of smear layer between group C and group B （P〈0.05）. Root canal walls in group E specimens showed almost complete removal of smear layer, and the removal of smear layer was significantly different from that in group D （P〈0.01）. There was no significant change in the structure of the surface of root canal for each sample. It was concluded that combined irrigation with 17% EDTA and 2.5% NaOC1 could remove the smear layer with no significant alteration in dentinal structure when the chelating agent was applied for 7 min. At 3 and 5 min of application, partial removal of smear layer was observed and at 1 min negligible removal of smear layer was achieved.

Non-surgical management of dens invaginatus type IIIB in maxillary lateral incisor with three root canals and 6-year follow-up:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND The presence of dens invaginatus(DI)complicates treatment of any tooth,from diagnosis to access cavity and biomechanical preparation and obturation.Reports of successful non-surgical management of DI type IIIB in maxillary lateral incisor are rare.Here,we report such a case,with three root canals and a long follow-up.CASE SUMMARY A 13-year-old female patient presented with mild pain in the maxillary right lateral incisor(#7)for 10-15 d.On examination,the tooth was slightly rotated,with slight tenderness on percussion and grade I mobility but with no caries,pockets or restorations and non-vital pulp(via vitality tests).Radiographic examination revealed unusual configuration of the tooth’s root canals,with an enamel-lined invagination extending to the apex,suggesting the possibility of DI Oehler’s type IIIB and a periapical radiolucency.Widening the access cavity lingually revealed one distinct buccal orifice and two distinct palatal orifices;under higher magnification of a dental operating microscope(DOM),the mesio palatal and disto-palatal orifices were observed as connected by a C-shaped groove.The root canals were prepared with hand K-files following a step-back technique,and obturated using a combination technique of lateral condensation and vertical compaction.At the 6-year follow-up,the patient was asymptomatic,and the periapical radiography displayed significant healing around the apical end of the root.CONCLUSION Proper knowledge of unusual root canal anatomy is required in treating DI.Conventional methods of root canal treatment can successfully resolve such complex cases,facilitated by DOM and cone-beam computed tomography.

An in vitro study on the efficacy of removing calcium hydroxide from curved root canal systems in root canal therapy

To compare the efficacy of various irrigants(citric acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid(EDTA) and Na OCl) and techniques in removing Ca(OH)2in two types of curved root canal systems, simulated root canals with specific curvatures were used to investigate the effects of different irrigants and instruments on Ca(OH)2removal. The optimal methods were verified on extracted human teeth. Simulated root canals were assigned to one of two groups based on the irrigation solution: 10% citric acid or2.5% Na OCl. Each group was divided into four subgroups according to the technique used to remove Ca(OH)2. The percentage of Ca(OH)2removal in different sections of root canals was calculated. On the basis of the results obtained for the simulated canals, 10% citric acid and 17% EDTA were applied to remove Ca(OH)2from the extracted human teeth with curved root canal systems. The teeth were scanned by micro computed tomography to calculate the percentage of Ca(OH)2removal in the canals.In simulated root canals, we found that 10% citric acid removed more Ca(OH)2than 2.5% NaOCl in the 0–1 mm group from the apex level(Po0.05). Ultrasonic and Endo Activator activation significantly removed more Ca(OH)2than a size 30 K file in the apical third(Po0.05). However, there were no significant differences in any sections of the canals for 10% citric acid or 17%EDTA in removing Ca(OH)2in extracted human teeth. We concluded that it was effective to remove residual Ca(OH)2using the decalcifying solution with Endo Activator or Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation in a curved root canal system. A protocol for Ca(OH)2removal was provided based on the conclusions of this study and the methods recommended in previous studies.

Incidence of C-shaped root canal systems in mandibular second molars in the native Chinese population by analysis of clinical methods

The aims of the study were to investigate the incidence of C-shaped root canal systems in mandibular second molars in a native Chinese population using radiography and clinical examination under microscope and to compare the relative efficacies of these methods. For the recognition of C-shaped root canal system, 1 146 mandibular second molars were selected and examined. Teeth with C-shaped canal systems were categorized by using the radiographic classification criteria and the modified Melton＇s method. C-shaped canals were identified in 397 （34.64%） mandibular second molars by radiography （type I, 31.23%; type II, 38.29%; type III, 30.48%）. Clinical examination showed that 449 （39.18%） cases exhibited C-shaped canal systems （C1, 22.94%; C2, 48.11%; C3a, 15.59%; C3b, 13.36%）. As for the result of the radiographic and clinical combined examination, C-shaped root canals were found in 473 （41.27%） mandibular second molars （C1, 21.78%; C2, 45.67%; C3a, 16.70%; C3b, 15.86%）. The incidence of C-shaped root canal diagnosed by radiographic method was statistically different from that by clinical examination and the combined examination （P〈O.05）. The study indicated a high incidence of C-shaped canal system in a Chinese population. The combination of microscopic and radiographic examination is an effective method in identifying the C-shaped root canal system.

Root canal morphology and configuration of 123 maxillary second molars by means of micro-CT

The aim of this study was to investigate the root canal configuration, accessory canals and number of main foramina of 123 maxillary second molars by means of micro-computed tomography. The teeth were scanned and reproduced with 3D software imaging. The root canal configuration and number of main foramina were evaluated by means of a four-digit system. The morphological complexity of human maxillary second molars is depicted by the number of accessory and connecting canals. The most frequently observed root canal configurations in the mesiobuccal root were 2-2-2/2 （19.5%）, 2-2-1/1 （14.6%） and 2-1-1/1 （13.0%）. A 1-1-1/1 configuration was observed in 93.5% and in 96.7% in the distobuccal and palatal roots, respectively. The MB1 mot canal had one accessory canal （18.7%）, and 8.9% of the MB2 root canal had one or two accessory canals. The distobuccal （11.3%） and palatal （14.6%） root canals had at least one accessory canal, and connecting canals were observed in 16.3% of mesiobuccal roots. The MB1, MB2, distobuccal and palatal root canals had one main foramen in 99.2%, 43.1%, 98.4% and 99.2% of samples, respectively. In the mesiobuccal root, one accessory foramen was detected in 14.6%, two were detected in 7.3%, and three were detected in 5.7%. The distobuccal root showed one or two accessory foramina in 9.1% of samples. The root canal configuration of maxillary second molars is quite heterogeneous; the mesiobuccal root has predominantly two root canal entrances （58.4%, 1 in 41.1%） with one main foramen （54.4%）. Two main foramina were observed in 43.0%. Morphological variations, connecting and accessory canals were observed in all apical thirds.

Calcium Hydroxide Removal in Curved Root Canals with Apical Transportation In Vitro

Calcium hydroxide（CH） is applied to improve disinfection of root canals in most root canal retreatment. This study aimed to analyze the CH removal efficacy using 7 different root preparing files（K file, pre-curved K file, EndoActivator, Ultrasonic file, pre-curved ultrasonic file, F file and needle irrigation alone） with apical transportation. Standardized models of curved canal with such apical transportation or not were set up before applying CH to root canal for 7 days. Seven techniques described above were used for its removal. Then the roots were disassembled and digital photos were taken. The ratio of residual CH in the overall canal surface was calculated using the image analyzer image pro plus 6.0. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey test. Results revealed that CH was effectively removed（P〈0.05） by using all 6 mechanical methods except irrigation alone. In curved root canals with apical transportation, EndoActivator, pre-curved ultrasonic file and F file were found to be more effective in removing CH than the other four file（P〈0.001）, while there was no significant difference among EndoActivator, pre-curved ultrasonic file and F file groups（P〉0.05）. The percentage of residual CH in the canal with apical transportation was higher than that in the canal without apical transportation（P〈0.05）. In conclusion, CH can be hardly removed completely. Canal with apical transportation will result in insufficient CH removal. EndoActivator, pre-curved ultrasonic file and F file are more effective in the curved root canal with apical transportation.

A comparison between radiovisiography and clearing technique in the study of the root canal types

Objective： To compare the radiovisiography （RVG） with the clearing technique using Kappa value in the study of the root canal types. Methods： One hundred recently extracted human maxillary first premolars were used. Standard periapical RVG images were taken from a buccolingual and mesiodistal direction. The specimens were then accessed, injected with ink, demineralized, dehydrated, and finally were cleared. The RVG images and the transparent teeth were examined by a trained endodontist, and the date of root canal types following Wu＇ s classification was collected. Results： The reliability of RVG was high for studies on simple root canals, but was poor for the studies on the multiple root canals. The Kappa value between the two techniques was 0.3793, indicating the agreement was poor. Conclusion： It is concluded that the limited value of RVG alone when studying certain aspect of the mot canal system. The resolution of the RVG system should be enhanced.

Successful individualized endodontic treatment of severely curved root canals in a mandibular second molar:A case report

BACKGROUND The incidence rate of severely curved root canals in mandibular molars is low,and the root canal treatment of mandibular molars with this aberrant canal anatomy may be technically challenging.CASE SUMMARY A 26-year-old Chinese female patient presented with intermittent and occlusal pain in the left mandibular second molar.The patient had undergone filling restoration for caries before endodontic consultation.With the aid of cone beam computed tomography(CBCT),a large periapical radiolucency was observed,and curved root canals in a mandibular second molar were confirmed,depicting a severe and curved distolingual root.Nonsurgical treatments,including novel individualized preparation skills and techniques and the use of bioceramic materials as an apical barrier,were performed,and complete healing of the periapical lesion and a satisfactory effect were achieved.CONCLUSION A case of severely curved root canals in a mandibular second molar was successfully treated and are reported herein.The complex anatomy of the tooth and the postoperative effect were also evaluated via the three-dimensional reconstruction of CBCT images,which accurately identified the aberrant canal morphology.New devices and biomaterial applications combined with novel synthesis techniques can increase the success rate of intractable endodontic treatment.

Comparison of the rheological properties of four root canal sealers

The flowability of a root canal sealer is clinically important because it improves the penetration of the sealer into the complex root canal system. The purpose of this study was to compare the flowabilities of four root canal sealers, measured using the simple press method （ISO 6876）, and their viscosities, measured using a strain-controlled rheometer. A newly developed, calcium phosphate-based root canal sealer （Capseal） and three commercial root canal sealers （AH Plus, Sealapex and Pulp Canal Sealer EWT） were used in this study. The flowabilities of the four root canal sealers were measured using the simple press method （n= 5） and their viscosities were measured using a strain-controlled rheometer （n=5）. The correlation between these two values was statistically analysed using Spearman＇s correlation test. The flow diameters and the viscosities of the root canal sealers were strongly negatively correlated （p= -0.8618）. The viscosity of Pulp Canal Sealer EWT was the lowest and increased in the following order： AH Plus〈Sealapex〈Capseal （P〈0.05）. All of the tested root canal sealers showed characteristic time- and temperature-dependent changes in their rheological properties. The viscosities measured using the strain-controlled rheometer were more precise than the flowabilities measured using the simple press method, suggesting that the rheometer can accurately measure the rheological properties of root canal sealers.

Endodontic management of the maxillary first molar with special root canals:A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND As the complex anatomy of maxillary first molars is one of the major challenges in endodontic therapy,knowledge of the complicated root canal anatomy and configuration is crucial to ensure the success of endodontic treatment and prognosis.This article presents an endodontically managed left maxillary first molar with an unusual palatal root morphology.The available literature on the anatomic variation of maxillary first molars is also reviewed.CASE SUMMARY A 36-year-old man with no medical history presented to the Stomatology Department of Peking University Third Hospital complaining of a toothache during mastication in the maxillary left posterior region for approximately 3 mo.He had a spontaneous and intermittent toothache that had worsened,particularly at night.The diagnosis based on clinical examination,X-ray imaging,and cone beam computed tomography(CBCT)was symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.Nonsurgical endodontic therapy was performed for the left maxillary first molar.Five root canals revealed by CBCT included a special palatal root canal(1-2-1-shaped),two mesiobuccal root canals,and one distobuccal root canal.Evaluation of the CBCT images confirmed the root canal morphology and the clinician performed more effective cleaning,obturation,and therapy.Finally,the tooth was restored using composite resin,and the patient was satisfied with the result.CONCLUSION CBCT and a complete review of the literature may be beneficial for investigating the root canal system to achieve a biological and functional therapeutic effect.

Root Canal Treatment of Mandibular First Molar with Radix Entomolaris

Aim: To confirm the effect of root canal treatment on radix entomolaris. Case: Radix entomolaris was an additional root that located on the distolingual of mandibular first molars. In this case, the radix entomolaris was detected clinically and radiographically with root canal configuration such as curves. An awareness and understanding of this unusual root and root canal morphology could contribute to the successful outcome of endodontic treatment. Conclusion: Root canal treatment on this case shows the lack of symptoms and normal radiographic presentation for two months follow-up.

Correlation between Anatomy and Root Canal Topography of First Maxillary Premolar on Kosovar Population

Aim: In this in vitro study the variation of root anatomy and canal system of the first human maxillary premolar was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and twenty one maxillary first premolars (#221 teeth) were examined. All of the teeth were identified using the accepted criteria of Woelfel as maxillary first premolars. Selected teeth are analyzed using operating microscope (OP) and computed dental radiography (CDR). Results: There was a higher incidence of two-roots form 70.14% (n = 155), 21.72% (n = 48) had one root, and 8.14% (n = 18) had three roots. In the two-root category, 16.29% (n = 36) had bifurcation on apical third, 21.72% (n = 48) had bifurcation on middle third, and 32.13% (n = 71) had bifurcation on cervical third. The examination of root canal systems of the teeth was based on Vertucci’s classification type of canal: 64.58% (#31) of the cases had type IV (2-2-2), 25.00% (#12) type II (2-2-1), 8.33% (#4) type I (1-1-1), and 2.09% (#1) type III (1-2-1). Conclusion: This study showed a high incidence of two-rooted maxillary first premolars collected from different regions in Kosovo. Internal root canal system morphology reflects the external root anatomy. Furthermore, there is correlation between the shape of the outer surface of the root and the shape of the root canal. The cases with one root of the maxillary first premolar with a deep depression on the mesial side contain a double root canal system more often than a single canal.

Effect of restoration technique on resistance to fracture of endodontically treated anterior teeth with flared root canals

This study was designed to compare the impact of post and core systems on resistance to fracture of endodontically treated anterior teeth with flared root canals and to assess their fracture pattern. Sixty central incisors were cut horizontally 2 mm coronal to the cementoenamel junction(CEJ). After root canal therapy, teeth were assigned into 6 groups(n = 10 each) based on a post system and used as follows: Group C, non-flared root received size #1 glass fiber posts(Control); Group AP, flared root restored with anatomical post; Group RC, flared root restored with size #1 fiber post and cemented with thick layer of resin cement; Group CR, flared root restored with size #1 and reinforced with composite resin; Group CM, cast post-core; Group CP, CAD/CAM polymer-infiltrated ceramic post and core.Following post cementation, core build-up and crown insertion, the specimens were thermo-cycled up to 10,000 cycles(5 C/55 C; 30 seconds dwell time, 6 seconds transition time) and then statically loaded at 1 mm/minute crosshead speed using a universal testing machine. One-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD post hoc test(α= 0.05) were used for data analysis. Group C recorded significantly higher resistance to fracture values [(826.9±39.1) N] followed by group CP [(793.8±55.6) N] while group RC yielded the lowest fracture resistance values [(586.7±51.4) N]. The resistance to fracture of wide root canals can be enhanced by using one-piece CAM/CAM post and core as an alternative to the use of either glass fiber post, relined with composite resin increasing the thickness of luting cement or the use of cast post and core system. However, this was an in vitro investigation and further in vivo studies are necessary.

Endodontic management of the maxillary first molars with two root canals: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND The complex anatomy of the maxillary first molars has always been a major challenge for complete root canal treatment in endodontic therapy. Here, we present two cases of maxillary first molars, each with only two root canals, which have been rarely reported. We also perform a literature review of maxillary first molar anatomy.CASE SUMMARY The two patients were referred to the hospital after 1) finding a cavity in their tooth with a color change and, 2) a toothache during mastication, respectively.Both of these cases were diagnosed as apical periodontitis by X-ray imaging and cone beam computed tomography(CBCT). Non-surgical endodontic therapy was performed with the assistance of a dental operating microscope(DOM). CBCT showed rare but accurate images of both patients, each with two root canals and two roots in their maxillary first molars. Both roots were located in the buccal in the palatal direction, and each root had only one clear root canal. In addition,each maxillary first molar in both patients was symmetrical to that on the opposing side with only two separate root canals. Non-surgical endodontic therapy was performed with the assistance of a DOM. Finally, the teeth were restored using composite resin and the patients were satisfied with the results.CONCLUSION Making full use of CBCT and DOM would contribute to helping dentists make correct diagnoses and successfully treat teeth with rare root canal morphologies.

Determination of the Root Canal Length of Teeth of Bantu Patients Attending the Teaching Hospital of Kinshasa University

Background: There is paucity of literature on the determination of the root canal length of Bantu subjects in dental professional practicing in Africa and Democratic Republic of Congo in particular. Aims: The aim of the present study was to determine the root canal length of teeth of Bantu patients extracts attending the Teaching Hospital of Kinshasa University. Methods and Material: Prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in the service of Conservative Dentistry. The patients suffering with pulpitis of permanent teeth which were selected for root canal treatment during the period of January 2014 to December 2016 were included. All patients whose main root canals were inaccessible, teeth carrying prosthesis, teeth with large coronal decay, teeth having periapical periodontitis, supernumerary teeth, wisdom and primary teeth were excluded. Results: The upper canines presented some significant longer canals compared to the lower canine (23.4 ± 2.3 mm and 21.6 ± 1.8 mm). Palatal canals of the first and second molar were respectively longer as compared to the superior teeth canals (21.5 ± 1 mm, 21.3 ± 2 mm). The distal canals of the first and second molar were the longest in the mandibular arch respectively measuring 20.7 ± 2.0 mm and 21.5 ± 1.7 mm. Conclusion: Data obtained from Bantu patients show slightly shorter roots compared to some European populations, but longer than some Asian populations.

A Root Canal Therapy on the Maxillary First Molar Tooth with Five Canals: A Case Report

Maxillary first molar usually exhibits a radicular anatomy of three roots and three or four canals. However, different anatomic variations like extra number of roots and canals are possible. For a successful treatment, clinicians must have well equipment and a thorough knowledge of the external and internal anatomy of teeth and its variation. Using of CBCT may help to locate extra canals by giving a chance to clinicians to see the root canal anatomy in 3-D view. The aim of this study was to present a case report about a diagnosis and treatment in maxillary first molar with three roots and five canals. It is concluded that the diagnosing and the treatment of unusual cases are key factors for successful endodontic treatment of these teeth.