A Case of Root Canal Treatment of a Maxillary First Molar with Six Root Canals Performed Using a Microscope and Dental Cone-beam Computed Tomography Scanning

Abstract

 Introduction: It can be difficult for inexperienced dentists to properly treat root canals. In recent years, the use of a dental operating microscope (hereafter referred to as “microscope”) has become widespread in root canal treatment for closely examining root canal morphology. This study reports that even a second-year postgraduate dentist could treat a maxillary first molar with six root canals, without missing any, by using a microscope.

 Case: A 34-year-old male patient underwent a pulpectomy under anesthesia on the maxillary left first molar due to acute suppurative pulpitis, which was performed by a second-year postgraduate dentist. During treatment, percussion pain was observed, but after repeated exploration of the root canal under the microscope, six root canals, including two mesiobuccal, three distobuccal, and one palatal canal, were successfully treated without missing any. The symptoms disappeared, and good treatment results were obtained.

 Results: The patient was in good condition at 7 months after treatment, and the X-ray images showed no abnormalities.

 Discussion: Even dentists with limited treatment experience can properly perform root canal treatment on teeth with numerous root canals by conducting the treatment under a microscope while paying attention to changes in clinical symptoms. It was observed that a microscope is effective for helping inexperienced dentists treat root canals without missing them.

 Conclusion: A dentist with limited treatment experience could properly treat a maxillary first molar with six root canals using a microscope.