Endodontic management of maxillary second premolar with three root canals: A case report

Successful root canal therapy requires a thorough knowledge of root and root canal morphology. Indeed, the major causes of endodontic treatment failure are incorrect canal instrumentation, incomplete canal obturation, and untreated major canals. Although the occurrence of three root canals in maxillary and mandibular premolars is very rare, the clinician must be able to identify it clinically and radiographically to make the necessary changes in his shaping and obturation techniques. We present the endodontic management of a maxillary second premolar with two roots and three seperate canals, which was diagnosed with the aberrant anatomy only after the access preparation. Teeth with extra roots and/or canals pose a challenge in clinical management. Identifying them early is necessary to facilitate appropriate modifications in treatment protocol, armamentarium to be used and plan optimal number of treatment sittings.