Morphologic variations in mandibular premolars: a report of three cases
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 17, 2026
Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
Anuj Bhardwaj1, Jojo Kottoor2, Denzil Valerian Albequerque3
1Senior Lecturer, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics Modern Dental College and Research Centre, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India,
Aim:
To report cases with morphologic variations in mandibular premolars.
Background:
Mandibular premolars have earned the reputation for having aberrant anatomy. The occurrence of three canals with three separate (type V, Vertucci) foramina in mandibular premolars is very rare. In this report, three cases are presented involving the root canal treatment of mandibular premolars with three different root and canal configurations. The present report also emphasizes the use of the dental operating microscope to enhance visualization.
Case Description:
Correlation between radiographic findings, use of dental operating microscope and knowledge of aberrant anatomy helps to identify, locate and treat the aberrant anatomy of the tooth.
Clinical Significance:
The treatment was successful as all canals were identified and filled and also as evidenced by relief of symptoms.
Conclusion:
Success is largely dependent on the use of magnification, which aided in identifying the location of the three individual root canal orifices; thus emphasizing the need to familiarize ourselves with dental microscopy, to obtain maximal anatomic information in endodontic practice.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or...
01:46Types of Selection
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
01:29Microbial Morphologies