Root canal treatment in an unusual maxillary first molar: a case report

The aim of this clinical article is to describe the unusual anatomy that was detected in a maxillary first molar during routine endodontic treatment.

Success in root canal treatment is achieved after thorough cleaning and shaping followed by the complete obturation of the root canal system. Such treatment may be performed in root canal systems that do not comply with the normal anatomical features described in standard textbooks. The present case describes root canal treatment in a maxillary first molar with two roots and a type IV canal configuration in the buccal root. KEY LEARNING POINTS Careful examination of radiographs and the internal anatomy of teeth is essential. Root canal treatment is likely to fail if the entire system is not debrided and filled. Anatomic variations can occur in any tooth.