ABSTRACT
Root canal configuration is an important subject in endodontic practice and dentists should be familiar with all possible types of root canal configuration. A forty-three year old male was referred for root canal treatment of his maxillary left second molar tooth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Pre-operative radiographs showed a three rooted molar. However, after access cavity preparation two palatal and one buccal orifices were detected. The patient was informed of the unusual root canal anatomy and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was ordered for precise evaluation of the anatomy. CBCT image confirmed the presence of one buccal and two palatal root canals; an exceptionally rare condition.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Despite being the gold standard as well as a routine technique in endodontics, radiographic working length (WL) determination owns many drawbacks. Electronic apex-locators (EALs) are recommended to complement radiographies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perceptions of Iranian general dental practitioners (GDPs) towards using radiography and EAL. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Three hundred and ninety one GDPs attending the 53(th) Iranian Dental Association Congress completed a questionnaire focusing on the use of radiography and EALs during the various stages of root canal treatment. The data was analyzed with the chi-square test with the level of significance set at 0.05. The results were then calculated as frequencies and percentages. RESULTS: More than half of the GDPs reported using radiographs as the sole method for WL determination. A total of 30.4% of the practitioners were using the combined approach during root canal therapy of a single-rooted tooth, while 38.9% used this method in multi-rooted teeth. Approximately half of the respondents would not order follow-up radiographies after root canal treatment. CONCLUSION: Radiography continues to be the most common method for WL determination in Iran.
