Journal of Clinical Case Reports

The Incidence of Four Canals in Maxillary First Molars Treated at Alnoor Specialist Dental Centre: Clinical Report

Abstract

Hamza Alsharief*, Nizar Mohammed Ahmed, Feras Aalam, Adel Alharbi, Hiba Gari and Mohammad Kamel Alhashym

Aim and Objectives: We conducted a clinical study to report the incidence of a second mesiobuccal (MB2) canal that was identified and treated in the maxillary first molar during eight months in our restorative department at Al Noor specialist hospital.

Material and Methods: The clinical study is retrospectively conducted to determine the number of root canals in maxillary first molars that were negotiated and treated-the data collected from the examination sheet of the patient's files. Four endodontic specialists (E1-E4) treated a total of 129 1st molar teeth. All cases were treated under routine clinical protocol, no special instruments or standard protocol for searching for MB2 canal either. Searching for an MB2 canal relies on the low-speed round burs only. One of the endodontists used a dental loupe without the light of 2.5X magnification. All other specialists did not use any magnification aid. The presence of MB2 was confirmed when it was negotiated, instrumented and obturated.

Results and Conclusion: The specialists treated 129 maxillary first permanent molars. Only 38 (29%) cases had a fourth root canal-all fourth canals were found in the mesiobuccal (MB) roots. Overall, 60% of MB2 had commonly apical exist with MB1, type II Vertucci canal configuration. 40% of MB2 had type IV Vertucci canal configuration. In the present clinical study, no microscope or ultrasonic devices have been used. One of the specialists used loupes of 2.5X magnifications. Simple magnification utilizing dental loupe with proper anatomical knowledge could increase the detection of MB2.