ROOT CANAL TREATMENT OF TEETH WITH C-SHAPED ROOT CANALS IN 3 MANDIBULAR SECOND MOLARS: A CASE SERIES

Running title: Endodontic Treatment of C-shaped root canals. Informed Consent: Informed consent was obtained from the patients. Author Contributions: Case preliminary diagnosis and follow-up, article writing: D.E and E.R. Declaration of Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. Funding: The authors declared that this study has received no financial support. This case report was presented at the 15th International Scientific Congress of the Turkish Endodontic Association, 8-10 June 2023, Bursa, Turkiye. Only the abstract was included in the abstract book of the same congress. Correspondence: Prof. Dr. Kürşat Er, Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkiye. tel. +90 (505) 6542725, fax: +90 (242) 3106967, e-mail. [email protected] Introduction: C-shaped root canal morphology is an anatomical variation typically resulting from incomplete development or fusion of Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath, predominantly observed in mandibular second molars. This unique configuration poses significant challenges for debridement, disinfection, and obturation, thereby impacting endodontic treatment prognosis. This case series presents the endodontic management of 3 mandibular second molars with varying C-shaped root canal configurations identified using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. Case Report: Analysis of CBCT images verified different types of Cshaped canals (Case1 C2 type, Case 2 C4 type, and Case 3 C3 type) in all 3 cases mentioned here. Root canal shaping was carried out with a rotary file system (ProTaper Next). In cases 1 and 2, the apical portion of the root canals were filled with a gutta-percha cone and a calcium silicate sealer using the single cone technique. The remaining root canal spaces were then backfilled with a thermoplastic filling system. In case 3, root canals were filled with lateral condensation system. Radiographic and clinical follow-ups were performed after endodontic treatment. Conclusion: Clinical and radiographic evaluations guided the treatment planning, while advanced instrumentation techniques were employed to address the complexity of canal morphology. Accurate diagnosis, facilitated by CBCT, and tailored treatment approaches were crucial in achieving favorable outcomes. The cases demonstrated the importance of a comprehensive understanding of C-shaped canal anatomy, emphasizing meticulous preparation and obturation strategies to optimize endodontic success. This case series underscores the significance of recognizing C-shaped canal anatomy in enhancing treatment outcomes. The findings align with prior research on the prevalence of C-shaped canals in specific populations, underscoring CBCT’s role in improving diagnostic and therapeutic precision in endodontics.