Bruno Carvalho de Sousa

Six root canals in maxillary first molar

In this clinical article we report an unusual anatomy that was detected in a maxillary first molar with 6 root canals. The possibility of 6 root canals in this tooth is quite small; however, it must be taken into account in clinical and radiographic evaluation during endodontic treatment. Many times their presence is noticed only after canal treatment, owing to continuing postoperative discomfort.

Three root canals in the maxillary second premolar

In this study, we report an endodontic treatment of the maxillary second premolar with three root canals and distinct foramens. The possibility of three root canals in this tooth is quite small; however, it must be taken into account in clinical and radiographic evaluation during endodontic treatment. Many times, their presence is noticed only after canal treatment due to continuing post-operative discomfort.

Persistent extra-radicular bacterial biofilm in endodontically treated human teeth: scanning electron microscopy analysis after apical surgery: SOUSA et al.

Biofilms are the main cause of endodontic failures. Even the best executed endodontic treatment can fail, when the infection is resistant to treatment or when it is located in inaccessible areas, such as the external surface of the root apex. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, by scanning electron microscopy, the presence of bacterial biofilm on endodontically treated teeth considered clinical failures and suitable for apical surgery. Root apices were collected from 20 teeth undergoing apical surgery and one negative control and analyzed under SEM. Digital photomicrographs of the root apices of 21 specimens at different magnifications were taken. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Apical biofilms were observed in 100% of root canal treatments considered endodontic failure. Topographical analysis of the root apices revealed areas of resorption, microcracks, and apical foramina in 90%, 80%, and 50% of cases, respectively. Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that endodontic failures present bacterial biofilm in areas inaccessible to conventional endodontic treatment, such as the external surfaces of the root apex.

Management of Six Root Canals in Mandibular First Molar

Success in root canal treatment is achieved after thorough cleaning, shaping, and obturation of the root canal system. This clinical case describes conventional root canal treatment of an unusual mandibular first molar with six root canals. The prognosis for endodontic treatment in teeth with abnormal morphology is unfavorable if the clinician fails to recognize extra root canals.

Filling lateral canals: Influence of calcium hydroxide paste as a root canal dressing

CONTEXT The use of intracanal medication aims to provide antimicrobial activity in the root canal system, leading to a more satisfactory condition for root canal obturation. However, it is important to evaluate whether such medication would affect the sealing-off from the main root canal of ramifications such as lateral canals. AIM Evaluate the influence of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] paste on the filling of lateral canals. SETTINGS AND DESIGN Ex vivo quantitative laboratory study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty single-rooted teeth with lateral canals created were used, 10 teeth per group. Group A was described respectively as lateral condensation technique (subgroup 1), thermomechanical compaction (subgroup 2), and continuous wave of condensation (subgroup 3). In Group B, subgroups 4, 5, and 6 were filled with Ca(OH)2 for 7 days before filling using the techniques applied in subgroups 1, 2, and 3. Radiographic evaluation was performed to count the number of filled lateral canals in each group. The teeth were cross-sectioned over the lateral canals; thus, 180 specimens were obtained. Each specimen was immersed in a polyester resin. Digital images were obtained and specific software (Image Tool; ) was used to evaluate the number of obturated lateral canals and the filling length in each lateral canal of groups. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 12.0 for Windows (Descriptive statistical analysis and Newman-Keuls test). RESULTS A greater number of simulated lateral canals were filled in Group A (91.1%). Group B had less filled lateral canals (33.3%). The sealing of lateral canals was statistically different between Group B (26.15%) and Group A (74.43%). CONCLUSIONS According to the radiographic analysis and the linear filling measurement, the use of Ca(OH)2 decreased the number and the length of sealed lateral canals.

A maxillary central incisor with four root canals

The objective of the present study is to present a case report of endodontic treatment of a maxillary central incisor with 1 root and 4 root canals. The success of endodontic treatment requires knowledge of dental anatomy and its variations. This clinical article reports an unusual anatomy detected in a maxillary central incisor with 4 root canals with an associated periapical lesion. The incidence of 4 root canals in this tooth is rare. However, it must be taken into consideration, the clinical and radiographic evaluations during the endodontic treatment in order to enhance the diagnostic. Many times, the presence of a supernumerary canal is noticed only after canal treatment due to continuing post-operative discomfort or treatment failure.