Morphologic variations in mandibular premolars: a report of three cases.

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.