Management of a rare bilateral maxillary first molar with six canals using a cone-beam computed tomography: Report of two cases

The complex morphology of pulp cavities, particularly in multi-rooted teeth, poses a persistent challenge for the success of endodontic therapy. It is vital to grasp the typical anatomical traits, as failure to address them may lead to endodontic treatment failure. In this case report, the clinical...

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Main Authors: Aishwarya D. Jain, Nimisha Chinmay Shah, Abhya Jain, Shreya S. Volety
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2025-05-01
Series:Saudi Endodontic Journal
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Online Access:https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/sej.sej_140_24
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author Aishwarya D. Jain
Nimisha Chinmay Shah
Abhya Jain
Shreya S. Volety
author_facet Aishwarya D. Jain
Nimisha Chinmay Shah
Abhya Jain
Shreya S. Volety
author_sort Aishwarya D. Jain
collection DOAJ
description The complex morphology of pulp cavities, particularly in multi-rooted teeth, poses a persistent challenge for the success of endodontic therapy. It is vital to grasp the typical anatomical traits, as failure to address them may lead to endodontic treatment failure. In this case report, the clinical management of a maxillary first molar with an exceptionally rare bilateral presentation of three roots and six root canals is described, which was endodontically managed by taking advantage of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), dental operating microscope, and advanced endodontic tools. A 32-year-old male patient presented with complaints of pain and food lodgment in the upper left and right back teeth. The pain associated with the maxillary right first molar (tooth #16) was intermittent, dull aching, and throbbing, with nocturnal exacerbation, whereas the maxillary left first molar (tooth #26) showed a spontaneous lingering nature of pain. Clinical examination revealed a previous coronal restoration on tooth #16 and mesioproximal caries on tooth #26. Pulp sensibility tests indicated no response for tooth #16 and a delayed response for tooth #26, whereas both teeth were tender to percussion. Radiographic assessment showed periapical changes in both teeth. Hence, the final diagnoses of pulp necrosis with symptomatic apical periodontitis for tooth #16 and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with symptomatic apical periodontitis for tooth #26 were made. Endodontic treatment was initiated, suspecting multiple canals, which was confirmed intraoperatively using CBCT and a dental operating microscope. Complete cleaning and shaping of all six canals were performed, followed by obturation using bioceramic sealer and bioceramic gutta-percha. Postendodontic restoration with composite resin and porcelain crown was carried out. A successful outcome was observed as the patient had relief of symptoms and periapical healing was evident at the 6-month follow-up. The importance of documenting such uncommon cases in dental literature is highlighted in this report, which will enhance understanding and help clinicians manage similar anatomical complexities.
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spelling doaj-art-7e528143d2eb4e4d979fdaaf0a4eae712025-08-20T03:53:02ZengWolters Kluwer Medknow PublicationsSaudi Endodontic Journal2320-14952025-05-0115218619210.4103/sej.sej_140_24Management of a rare bilateral maxillary first molar with six canals using a cone-beam computed tomography: Report of two casesAishwarya D. JainNimisha Chinmay ShahAbhya JainShreya S. VoletyThe complex morphology of pulp cavities, particularly in multi-rooted teeth, poses a persistent challenge for the success of endodontic therapy. It is vital to grasp the typical anatomical traits, as failure to address them may lead to endodontic treatment failure. In this case report, the clinical management of a maxillary first molar with an exceptionally rare bilateral presentation of three roots and six root canals is described, which was endodontically managed by taking advantage of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), dental operating microscope, and advanced endodontic tools. A 32-year-old male patient presented with complaints of pain and food lodgment in the upper left and right back teeth. The pain associated with the maxillary right first molar (tooth #16) was intermittent, dull aching, and throbbing, with nocturnal exacerbation, whereas the maxillary left first molar (tooth #26) showed a spontaneous lingering nature of pain. Clinical examination revealed a previous coronal restoration on tooth #16 and mesioproximal caries on tooth #26. Pulp sensibility tests indicated no response for tooth #16 and a delayed response for tooth #26, whereas both teeth were tender to percussion. Radiographic assessment showed periapical changes in both teeth. Hence, the final diagnoses of pulp necrosis with symptomatic apical periodontitis for tooth #16 and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with symptomatic apical periodontitis for tooth #26 were made. Endodontic treatment was initiated, suspecting multiple canals, which was confirmed intraoperatively using CBCT and a dental operating microscope. Complete cleaning and shaping of all six canals were performed, followed by obturation using bioceramic sealer and bioceramic gutta-percha. Postendodontic restoration with composite resin and porcelain crown was carried out. A successful outcome was observed as the patient had relief of symptoms and periapical healing was evident at the 6-month follow-up. The importance of documenting such uncommon cases in dental literature is highlighted in this report, which will enhance understanding and help clinicians manage similar anatomical complexities.https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/sej.sej_140_24anatomic variationbioceramiccone-beam computed tomographymaxillary first molarroot canal anatomy
spellingShingle Aishwarya D. Jain
Nimisha Chinmay Shah
Abhya Jain
Shreya S. Volety
Management of a rare bilateral maxillary first molar with six canals using a cone-beam computed tomography: Report of two cases
Saudi Endodontic Journal
anatomic variation
bioceramic
cone-beam computed tomography
maxillary first molar
root canal anatomy
title Management of a rare bilateral maxillary first molar with six canals using a cone-beam computed tomography: Report of two cases
title_full Management of a rare bilateral maxillary first molar with six canals using a cone-beam computed tomography: Report of two cases
title_fullStr Management of a rare bilateral maxillary first molar with six canals using a cone-beam computed tomography: Report of two cases
title_full_unstemmed Management of a rare bilateral maxillary first molar with six canals using a cone-beam computed tomography: Report of two cases
title_short Management of a rare bilateral maxillary first molar with six canals using a cone-beam computed tomography: Report of two cases
title_sort management of a rare bilateral maxillary first molar with six canals using a cone beam computed tomography report of two cases
topic anatomic variation
bioceramic
cone-beam computed tomography
maxillary first molar
root canal anatomy
url https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/sej.sej_140_24
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