Maxillary Second Molar with Two Palatal Roots: Endodontic and Restorative Approach

A BSTRACT The primary goal of endodontic therapy is to achieve thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system followed by an adequate fluid-tight seal. One of the main causes of failure is due to the challenge of locating, debriding, or adequately obturating the root canal system. Maxillary molars generally have three roots: one palatal and two buccal containing one root canal each. The occurrence of an extra palatal root is uncommon, yet it remains an unexpected possibility. In the present case, the extra palatal root was not visible on the preoperative radiograph, making its detection more challenging. In the immediate postobturation appointment, the patient complained of sensitivity on taking hot coffee. Whenever the patient reports ongoing posttreatment sensitivity to hot or cold food, the potential for an additional canal or root must be considered. The second palatal canal was identified using DG 16 under dental operative microscope and successfully managed. In such cases, the use of diagnostic aids like DG 16, dental operative microscope could facilitate the identification of extra canals. The patient was recalled for periodic evaluation, and after 2-year follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic clinically and radiographically.