Monoradicular Primary Maxillary Left Second Molar: A Rare Root Morphology and Review of the Literature

Understanding the anatomical variations between primary and permanent dentitions and familiarity with the internal and external root morphology are essential for dental practitioners to distinguish root morphological anomalies. A search in dental literature reveals the occurrence of monoradicular molars in primary dentition; especially the monoradicular maxillary primary second molar is extremely rare, returning only five case reports. The present case of a 5-year-and-7-month-old girl presented with experience of severe pain in her upper left back area. After taking the medical and dental histories and conducting a clinical and radiographic examination, the examinations showed a healthy child, carious teeth, a localised abscess and a rare root morphology (monoradicular maxillary primary second molar), which has never been previously reported in the Saudi population. The treatment was performed using quadrant dentistry, which involved a pulpotomy and a stainless steel crown, extraction and a reverse band and loop, whilst keeping the child under regular follow-up. The aim of this report is to assist dental practitioners, particularly dentists, in recognising this root anomaly that is a rare monoradicular maxillary left second molar so as to minimise the associated complications. In addition, this paper summarises similar cases in the dental literature. Achieving a high level of practical dental skills and accurate dental diagnoses promotes the standard of dental treatment, in turn leading to successful endodontic results.