Unusual root canal anatomy in a maxillary second molar

Abstract is not required for Clinical Imagesis not required for Clinical Images (This page in not part of the published article.) International Journal of Case Reports and Images, Vol. 8 No. 5, May 2017. ISSN – [0976-3198] Int J Case Rep Images 2017;8(5):352–354. www.ijcasereportsandimages.com Inoue et al. 352 CASE REPORT OPEN ACCESS Unusual root canal anatomy in a maxillary second molar Toshiko Inoue, Makoto Saito, Fumio Nishimura, Takashi Miyazaki


CLINICAL IMAGES PEER REVIEWED | OPEN ACCESS
However, radiographs produce only two-dimensional images of a three-dimensional object, resulting in superposition of structures. Radiographic interpretation was confusing in this case because of the overlap of the buccal and secondary palatal roots, indicated by a white arrow in Figure 1D. Superposition of anatomical structures on X-ray images could result in failure to diagnose a distal palatal root canal, which, if left untreated, could result in failure of root canal treatment.
In recent years, significant noninvasive technological advances in dental imaging have been introduced, including digital radiography, densitometry, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and computed tomography [4]. In particular, micro-CT scan has been used to evaluate root canal anatomy because of its high resolution and non-destructive nature. The development of micro-CT scan is increasingly important in endodontic research because it offers a reproducible technique that can be applied quantitatively as well as qualitatively for the 3D assessment of the root canal system. The existence of extra roots in maxillary molars has clinical implications in endodontic treatment [5]. Its posterior location and the radiographic superimposition of anatomic structures are two important reasons for failure to diagnose a second palatal root canal [6]. Endodontic treatment can fail because of the presence of microorganisms remaining after insufficient canal obturation or the presence of untreated canals [7]. The main goal of endodontic therapy is to obtain 3D obturation of the root canal system after a sequence of cleaning, shaping, and filling procedures [8].

CONCLUSION
A thorough knowledge of root and root canal morphology and accurate anticipation of a tooth's possible morphological variations are essential for reducing endodontic failure caused by incomplete root canal preparation and obturation. Variations in the root and root canal morphology are a constant challenge for dentists. Dentists need to be familiar with the variations in root canal configurations for successful endodontic therapy. Micro-Computed tomography scan could be a useful tool for assessing root canal system anatomy in experimental endodontic studies.

Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge all of the staff members who were involved in the care of the patients.

Author Contributions
Toshiko Inoue -Substantial contributions to conception and design, Acquisition of data, Analysis and interpretation of data, Drafting the article, Revising it critically for important intellectual content, Final approval of the version to be published Makoto Saito -Substantial contributions to conception and design, Acquisition of data, Analysis and interpretation of data, Drafting the article, Revising it critically for important intellectual content, Final approval of the version to be published Fumio Nishimura -Analysis and interpretation of data, Drafting the article, Revising it critically for important intellectual content, Final approval of the version to be published Takashi Miyazaki -Analysis and interpretation of data, Drafting the article, Revising it critically for important intellectual content, Final approval of the version to be published

Edorium Journals: An introduction
Edorium Journals Team

But why should you publish with Edorium Journals?
In less than 10 words -we give you what no one does.

Vision of being the best
We have the vision of making our journals the best and the most authoritative journals in their respective specialties. We are working towards this goal every day of every week of every month of every year.

Exceptional services
We care for you, your work and your time. Our efficient, personalized and courteous services are a testimony to this.

Editorial Review
All manuscripts submitted to Edorium Journals undergo pre-processing review, first editorial review, peer review, second editorial review and finally third editorial review.

Peer Review
All manuscripts submitted to Edorium Journals undergo anonymous, double-blind, external peer review.

Early View version
Early View version of your manuscript will be published in the journal within 72 hours of final acceptance.

Manuscript status
From submission to publication of your article you will get regular updates (minimum six times) about status of your manuscripts directly in your email.

Favored Author program
One email is all it takes to become our favored author. You will not only get fee waivers but also get information and insights about scholarly publishing.

Institutional Membership program
Join our Institutional Memberships program and help scholars from your institute make their research accessible to all and save thousands of dollars in fees make their research accessible to all.

Our presence
We have some of the best designed publication formats. Our websites are very user friendly and enable you to do your work very easily with no hassle.
We request you to have a look at our website to know more about us and our services.
We welcome you to interact with us, share with us, join us and of course publish with us.

Invitation for article submission
We sincerely invite you to submit your valuable research for publication to Edorium Journals.

Six weeks
You will get first decision on your manuscript within six weeks (42 days) of submission. If we fail to honor this by even one day, we will publish your manuscript free of charge.*

Four weeks
After we receive page proofs, your manuscript will be published in the journal within four weeks (31 days).
If we fail to honor this by even one day, we will publish your manuscript free of charge and refund you the full article publication charges you paid for your manuscript.* This page is not a part of the published article. This page is an introduction to Edorium Journals and the publication services.
* Terms and condition apply. Please see Edorium Journals website for more information.