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Updated: May 27, 2026
Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
A maxillary lateral incisor with four root canals
J Kottoor1, R Murugesan, D V Albuquerque
1Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Mar Baselios Dental College, Kerala, India. drkottooran@gmail.com
Aim:
To describe the successful non-surgical endodontic management of a permanent maxillary lateral incisor tooth with four root canals.
Summary:
Aberrant morphology of root canals can occur in any tooth, including maxillary lateral incisors. In the presented case, clinical examination and radiographs clearly depicted the presence of four root canals in a right maxillary lateral incisor. The differential diagnosis included fusion, gemination, dens invaginatus or a combination of these. The report emphasises the need for attention during root canal treatment of maxillary lateral incisors.
Key Learning Points:
• Clinicians should be aware of the variable root canal anatomy in maxillary lateral incisor teeth. • Careful examination of radiographs and the internal anatomy of teeth are essential prerequisites for successful root canal treatment. • Four root canals in maxillary lateral incisors is a possibility.
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