The Concurrence of Radix Paramolaris and C Shaped Root Canal Anatomy in Adjacent Teeth: A Rare Finding

Case Presentation

J Dent App. 2015; 2(7): 261-263.

The Concurrence of Radix Paramolaris and C Shaped Root Canal Anatomy in Adjacent Teeth: A Rare Finding

Vasudeva A, Sinha DJ, Tyagi N, Tyagi SP and Vasudeva A*

Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Kothiwal Dental College and Research Centre, India

*Corresponding author: Agrima Vasudeva, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Kothiwal Dental College and Research Centre, India

Received: May 29, 2015; Accepted: September 09, 2015; Published: September 11, 2015

Abstract

For a successful endodontic treatment thorough knowledge of root canal anatomy and its variations is of utmost importance .One of such variations is the presence of a third root mesiobucally, called Radix Paramolaris. Another anatomic variation is C shaped morphology in which instead of the typical shape of the pulp chamber with three root canals, there are C-shaped orifice of the root canal. This case report describes a rare case with the concurrence of two root canal anatomical variations in adjacent teeth i.e 36 (Radix Paramolaris) and 37 (C shaped canal configuration).

Keywords: C shaped; Radix paramolaris

Introduction

For a successful endodontic treatment, knowledge of the root canal anatomy is of utmost importance. Complex root canal anatomy is often the culprit that results in endodontic failures. Thus, a clinician must be aware of the variations from the normal root canal anatomy.

Usually two different roots namely mesial and distal are found in the mandibular molars. Sometimes a third disto-lingual root may be present [1]. This third root may arise from a part of the apical third of the mesial root or, occasionally, from distal root [1] Carabelli first reported this macrostructure in 1844 namely radix entomolaris (RE) [2]. Sometimes it can be present mesio-bucally and is known as radix paramolaris (RP) [3,4].

The C-shaped root canal configuration was first documented in endodontic literature by Cooke and Cox in 1979 and is so named for the cross-sectional morphology of the root and root canal of the molar teeth [5]. In these cases instead of the typical shape of the pulp chamber with three root canals, there are the C-shaped orifices of the root canal on the mandibular molars. Their main anatomical feature is the presence of a fin connecting the individual root canals whereas the orifice may appear as a single ribbon-shaped opening with a 180° arc [6].

Endodontic textbooks state that the C-shaped canal is not uncommon, and this is confirmed by studies in which frequencies ranging from 2.7% to 8% have been reported [5]. Most often, the C-shape of the pulp chamber is used to describe the mandibular second molars, the maxillary first molars (0.92%) and the maxillary second molars (4.9%) [7-9].

Case Presentation

A female patient aged 35 years reported to the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Kothiwal Dental College and Research Centre with the chief complaint of pain in the lower left back teeth. Pain was severe and continuous in nature. On clinical examination, decay was seen with respect to 35, 36 and 37. On radiographic examination, radiolucency was seen involving the pulp in all the teeth indicating irreversible pulpitis (Figure 1).