Maxillary molars demonstrating more than one palatal root canal

Maxillary molars exhibit variations in the canal morphology of the palatal root. Systems may occur in which a single palatal root contains two separate orifices, two separate canals, and two separate foramina. Other maxillary molars may have two separate palatal roots, each with one orifice, one canal, and one foramen. Another variation is one palatal root, one orifice, a bifurcated canal, and two foramina. The practitioner should be aware of variations in the canal system of the palatal roots of maxillary molars so that they can be treated more effectively.