The mesiobuccal root of the maxillary molars is well known to pose a hindrance during endodontic therapy. Presented here is a case of a maxillary left second molar where three canals were located in its mesiobuccal root with the use of visual and diagnostic aids. Difficulties encountered during the process of unveiling the tooth's internal anatomy were discussed. The dilemmas encountered pertained to the root canal configuration, the nomenclature of the extra canals, and the justification for the presence of a third canal. The root canal configuration of 3-2-1 was confirmed for the mesiobuccal root using information gained from clinical, radiographic, and multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scan findings. This case demonstrates the need for efforts to locate extra canals in the mesiobuccal root of the maxillary molars as their internal anatomy remains a mystery.

This study was conducted to evaluate canal configuration after shaping by ProTaper™ with various rotational speed in J-shaped simulated resin canals.

Forty simulated root canals were divided into 4 groups, and instrumented using by ProTaper™ at the rotational speed of 250, 300, 350 and 400 rpm. Pre-instrumented and post-instrumented images were taken by a scanner and those were superimposed. Outer canal width, inner canal width, total canal width, and amount of transportation from original axis were measured at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 mm from apex. Instrumentation time, instrument deformation and fracture were recorded. Data were analyzed by means of one-way ANOVA followed by Scheffe's test.

The results were as follows

Regardless of rotational speed, at the 1~2 mm from the apex, axis of canal was transported to outer side of a curvature, and at 3~6 mm from the apex, to inner side of a curvature. Amounts of transportation from original axis were not significantly different among experimental groups except at 5 and 6 mm from the apex.

In conclusion, the rotational speed of ProTaper™ files in the range of 250~400 rpm does not affect the change of canal configuration, and high rotational speed reduces the instrumentation time. However, appearance of separation and distortion of Ni-Ti rotary files can occur in high rotational speed.

This study is to investigate the canal system in the mesiobuccal root of the maxillry first molar.

61 maxillary first molars were randomly selected. Serial transverse sections were made perpendicular to the long axis of the mesiobuccal root. Each section was placed in 3% sodium hypochlorite for 24 hours and rinsed in water and dried. The resected surface was stained with 2% methylene blue dye and examined with stereomicroscope.

Canal configuration analysis showed that 36.1% of the specimen classified as type I, 16.4% as type II, 37.7% as type III and 9.8% as type IV.

63.9% of the mesiobuccal root of maxillary first molar had two canaland 76.5% of sections with two canals in 5 MM had an isthmus. Because of this complexity the clinician should always search for extra canal carefullyand root canal system, including an isthmus, should be cleaned and shaped completelyand obturated three dimensionally for successful endodontic treatment.