Root canal treatment in mandibular canines with two roots: a report of two cases.

AIM: To highlight anatomical variation in the mandibular canine.

SUMMARY: Two clinical case reports are presented to illustrate anatomical variation in the human mandibular canine. Endodontic treatment may sometimes fail because morphological features of the tooth adversely affect the treatment procedures. Many investigators have reported the anatomical variations associated with mandibular canines. Mandibular canines are recognized as usually having one root and one root canal in most cases, although approximately 15% may have two canals or sometimes two roots. This paper describes two clinical cases of mandibular canines with two roots and two canals.

KEY LEARNING POINTS: Failure to control infection in the root canal system has an adverse impact on outcome. Clinicians should be aware of anatomical variations in the teeth they are managing, and should never assume that canal systems are simple. The majority of mandibular canines have one root and root canal, but 15% may have two canals, and a smaller number may have two distinct roots.