Abstract

TONELLO, Virgínia et al. Incidence of the fourth root canal in upper first molars treated endodontically: a retrospective study. RFO UPF [online]. 2016, vol.21, n.2, pp. 187-190. ISSN 1413-4012.

Introduction: The anatomic variations and the complex anatomy of the upper first molar are a constant challenge for the diagnosis and success of endodontic therapy. The high rate of negative outcomes in treatment of this tooth is usually related to the existence of a second canal in the mesio-buccal root (MB). Objective: This study aimed to verify, through data collection, the occurrence of a second canal in the MB root of upper first molars, and how many of them had been prepared close to their the working length. Materials and method: Data were collected from the clinical files attached to the dental medical records of upper first molars of patients that had been subjected to endodontic therapy by students of the post-graduation course of Faculdade Meridional - IMED Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil, from 2013 to 2014. Results: From a total of 260 upper first molars that were treated, 184 teeth presented three root canals (70.8%) and 76 teeth presented the fourth canal (29.2%). Additionally, 59 teeth had the fourth canal prepared to the full length (77%). Conclusion: It is concluded that the occurrence of the fourth canal is high in the upper first molars.

Keywords : Anatomy.; Dental pulp cavity.; Molars.; Anatomic variation..