Aberrant root canal morphology in a maxillary second molar

A bstract — Abberations in root canal morphology of maxillary permanent molars often occur as collateral mesio-buccal canals and, less commonly, as separate root canals in divergent palatal roots. This case report describes a right maxillary second molar with both types of anomaly common to the maxillary first molar and a collateral disto-palatal canal in a thirteen-year-old girl suffering severe pain in the right maxilla. Removal of discoloured dentine found beneath two amalgam restorations disclosed necrotic tissue in the pulp chamber and the disto-palatal canal. Finally, endodontic therapy was required for six root canals.