Permanent maxillary first molar with a single root and a single canal diagnosed with cone-beam computed tomography scanning: Case report

Abstract

Failure of endodontic treatment most commonly occurs due to inability of the clinician to locate the extra root and canal present; however, at times, there could also be a fewer number of roots and canals present, especially in molar teeth. A 33-year-old healthy female reported with a chief complaint of tooth pain in her upper left first molar. Clinical examination revealed a fractured restoration and deep proximal carious lesion of the tooth. The tooth was tender on percussion and negative to thermal and electric pulp testing. Radiographic examination revealed a single root and a single canal. A diagnosis of asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis with symptomatic apical periodontitis was made. Nonsurgical endodontic treatment was performed. The patient was asymptomatic at a 6-month follow-up with no abnormalities detected radiographically. The use of cone-beam computed tomography scan was very helpful in confirming the root and canal morphology of the treated tooth.