Successful individualized endodontic treatment of severely curved root canals in a mandibular second molar: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND

The incidence rate of severely curved root canals in mandibular molars is low, and the root canal treatment of mandibular molars with this aberrant canal anatomy may be technically challenging.

CASE SUMMARY

A 26-year-old Chinese female patient presented with intermittent and occlusal pain in the left mandibular second molar. The patient had undergone filling restoration for caries before endodontic consultation. With the aid of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), a large periapical radiolucency was observed, and curved root canals in a mandibular second molar were confirmed, depicting a severe and curved distolingual root. Nonsurgical treatments, including novel individualized preparation skills and techniques and the use of bioceramic materials as an apical barrier, were performed, and complete healing of the periapical lesion and a satisfactory effect were achieved.

CONCLUSION

A case of severely curved root canals in a mandibular second molar was successfully treated and are reported herein. The complex anatomy of the tooth and the postoperative effect were also evaluated via the three-dimensional reconstruction of CBCT images, which accurately identified the aberrant canal morphology. New devices and biomaterial applications combined with novel synthesis techniques can increase the success rate of intractable endodontic treatment.

Key Words: Cone beam computed tomography, Canal curvature, Mandibular second molar, Root canal therapy, Case report

Core Tip: The treatment of patients with severely curved root canals is problematic. Herein, with the guidance of cone beam computed tomography, individualized preparation skills and techniques and the use of bioceramic materials as an apical barrier may aid in the treatment of such severely curved teeth.

INTRODUCTION

To date, root canal therapy (RCT) is a preferred treatment for pulpitis and periapical disease, and its success rate is closely associated with the anatomical morphology of the root canal system[1]. Being familiar with internal canal morphology is crucial for endodontists. The anatomical variations existing in the root canal system, such as curvature, may result in severe complications, such as ledge formation, apical transportation, and perforation during root canal preparation, which increases the failure rates of treatment[2]. To reduce the occurrence of these complications, a comprehensive understanding of root canal curvature models, including the degree of curvature and radius, is important. Mandibular permanent molars are the most vulnerable to dental disease, but the anatomical structure of the root canal is usually complex and substantially varied, which is considerably challenging for clinicians. According to reports, the anatomical configuration of molar roots and canals varies by nation. For example, the proportions of Spanish, Iranian, and Indian people with permanent second mandibular molars that have two roots are 83%, 81.6%, and 79.35%, respectively[3-5]. Most mandibular second molars have a small degree of bifurcation or have conical roots that are fused on the buccal surface and separated on the lingual surface. This fused root is coined in a C-shaped root, which is an important feature of mandibular second molars. Kim et al[6] reported that the proportion of patients with a double root canal system in their mandibular second molars totaled 58% in Korea, while the proportion with the C-shaped type accounted for 40%, as analysed according to cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data.

CBCT has been introduced as a high-resolution imaging modality in oral and maxillofacial radiology[7]. Analysing and displaying the curved root canal system in the sagittal, coronal, and axial planes allow for three-dimensional reconstruction of CBCT scans, providing high-resolution images of the root canal system to gain a better understanding of the direction of curvature. Thus, visualization of the canal anatomy can enable precise canal preparation and provide clinical guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of complex and curved canals. This clinical report describes three severely curved canals in the left mandibular second molar that successfully healed with individualized RCTs under dental microscopic and CBCT guidance. Herein, we propose preparation techniques with ultrasound systems and dental lasers, and provide evidence that filling with bioceramic materials as an apical barrier may aid in the treatment of severely curved teeth.

CASE PRESENTATION

Chief complaints

A 26-year-old Chinese female patient was referred for evaluation of the left mandibular second molar with the chief complaints of intermittent pain and occlusal pain in this tooth.

History of present illness

The patient was referred for evaluation of the left mandibular second molar with the chief complaints of intermittent pain and occlusal pain in this tooth.

History of past illness

The patient denied having a remarkable medical history or drug allergies, and she reported caries for which her dentist filled as restoration.

Personal and family history

There was no personal or family history.

Physical examination

Upon extraoral examination, no significant signs were noted. The intraoral examination revealed that the left mandibular second molar (#37) had been restored with white material (Figure 1A) and showed no signs of swelling, no response to the pulp test, and no pathological mobility. Periodontal probing around the tooth showed a pocket within physiological limits without an intraoral sinus. However, there was severe pain from percussion and palpation. The first mandibular molar had a crown and no response to the cold test or percussion and was asymptomatic.

Figure 1 Initial clinical situation (#37). A: Photograph of the mandibular second molar; B: Preoperative periapical radiograph of the molar; C: Measurement of the radius of the curvature and angles; D and E: Sagittal (D) and coronal (E) dimensions obtained from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT); F-H: Axial dimensions obtained from CBCT; I: Three-dimensional reconstruction of CBCT images presenting the perforation of the lingual cortical plate. White and yellow arrows represent the mesial root canals and a distal root canal, respectively; orange arrows show the regions of large periapical radiolucency.

Laboratory examinations

No laboratory examinations were performed.

Imaging examinations

Radiographic examination showed that tooth #37 had a large periapical radiolucency encompassing both the mesial and distal regions with a size of 11 mm × 6 mm × 6 mm (Figure 1B).

FINAL DIAGNOSIS

Chronic apical periodontitis.

TREATMENT

After discussing possible treatment options, the patient agreed to treatment for tooth #37 and signed an informed consent form. The tooth was isolated with a rubber dam, and the old fillings were removed before completely exposing the top pulp chamber. Endodontic access was completed using a diamond bur with a water spray. The entire procedure was performed under a dental microscope (ZUMAX, Suzhou, China) and with the guidance of CBCT. Three canals, namely, the mesiobuccal, mesiolingual, and distal canals, were identified under magnification, and a Ni-Ti file rotary system (Orodeka, PLEX, Italy) was used for root canal preparation. The preparation and process of cleaning and shaping the canals were divided into two parts: (1) During the initial stage of RCT, the orifices of the root canals were trimmed using ET18D (ACTEON, SATELEC, France), and coronal access was obtained using #15/08 (Orodeka, PLEX, Italy); and (2) for mesial root canals, after exploring and dredging the position of the canals with #08 and #10 K-files (Densply, United States), the initial working length (WL) was determined with #10 K-files at the end of the apex under magnification, which was confirmed by periapical radiographs (Figure 2A-D). Then, canals were shaped and enlarged using #15/03, #20/04, and #25/04, while for a distal root canal, the upper canal was used for the crown-down technique with #15/03, #20/04, and #25/06 according to the resistance. After that, #6 K-files were used to establish a straight path to the apex with EDTA gel (MD-ClelCream, Meta Biomed, United States), and the WL was determined according to the penetration of the #06 K-files (referring to the point on the crown edge to the apical foramen minus 1 mm)[8]. The step-back technique, using the 0.5-mm recession method with #08, #10, and #15 K-files, was used for apex preparation to maintain the original morphology and shape of the root canal. Finally, the canal was finished with #12/03 and #15/03. A total of 20 mL of 5.25% NaOCl combined with 17% EDTA solution was used to irrigate every root canal during preparation. An ultrasound system (P5 Newtron XS, SATELEC, France) was introduced to activate the irrigant, and a photon-initiated photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) technique (Er:YAG, SSP, 2 Hz, 20 mJ, 0.15 W, LightWalkerAT, Fotona, Germany) was used to further remove the deep smear layer and eliminate any remaining bacteria in the dentin canal tubes. Finally, paper points were used to dry the canals for inspection, calcium hydroxide paste was used as filler, and then the coronal was temporarily sealed with temporary filling material (Ceivitron, Taibei, China). All operations were carried out successfully under a dental operating microscope.

Figure 2 Treatment of the mandibular second molar. A: Severe curvature of the file in the canal apex; B: Preoperative image; C: Postoperative image of the bottom medullary chamber; D: Radiograph for working length determination; E: Final radiograph after the operation; F: Follow-up at 2 wk; G: The tooth after crown preparation; H: Ceramic crown; I: Occlusal surface after restoration.

The tooth was re-examined 2 wk later, and the canals were copiously irrigated with 17% EDTA solution to remove calcium hydroxide paste. After cleaning with the PIPS technique and distilled water, the canals were dried with paper points. The main gutta-percha cones were selected (#25/04), and the mesial canals were filled with large taper gutta-perchas and root canal sealer iRoot SP (Innovative Bioceramix, Vancouver, BC, Canada). However, gutta-perchas could not reach the WL point in the distal canal due to the sharp curved apex. Therefore, the vertical condensation technique was used for the apical sites, in which iRoot BP Plus (Innovative Bioceramix, Vancouver, BC, Canada) was placed as a barrier to exert a better apical sealing effect after filling with iRoot SP (Figure 2E). Postoperative radiographs were taken to confirm that three canals were filled compactly, especially in the curved corners. After 3 mo of observation (Figure 3B), the patient had no spontaneous pain or other obvious abnormalities, and the tooth was restored with composite resin (Filtek Z350 XT, 3M ESPE). The patient was then referred for restorative treatment. The edge of the ceramic crown and occlusal was checked to ensure a proper fit (Figure 2G-I).

Figure 3 Post-treatment situation of the mandibular second molar and follow-ups. A: Occlusive situation of the left molars; B and C: Three-month (B) and one-year (C) radiographic follow-up images demonstrating healing of the periapical lesion; D-H: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images at 1-year radiographic follow-up; I: Three-dimensional reconstruction of CBCT images presenting healing of the lingual cortical plate. White and yellow arrows represent the mesial root canals and a distal root canal, respectively; orange arrows show the regions of periapical healing.

OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP

At the 3-mo and 1-year follow-ups, the treated mandibular molar showed complete healing of the periapical lesion and a satisfactory effect was achieved.

DISCUSSION

Endodontic treatment failure in mandibular molars is mostly due to the complexity and diversity of root canal configurations. In this case, three mandibular molar canals, namely, the mesiobuccal, mesiolingual, and distal canals, were separate and independent from each other. Interestingly, the CBCT images revealed that these canals were severely curved, showing highly rare degrees of curvature, illustrating the challenges that must be faced when dealing with the anatomical variations in canals. As studies have reported, most mandibular second molars have two roots or a fused root, with 55% having three canals[9]. Precisely understanding the positions, directions, and angles of these curvature canals is important for treatment. In this study, visible three-dimensional canal models based on CBCT datasets were found to facilitate the shaping and cleaning efficiency of root canal systems. The root canals in tooth #37 had two roots: The mesial root had two separate canals, the distal root had an oblate canal (Figure 1F-G), and a large periapical radiolucency that perforated the lingual cortical plate was observed in the apical region of #37 (Figure 1H-I). More importantly, all canals in both the mesial and distal roots had a sharp curvature mainly in the distal direction. Referring to the method of canal curvature, namely, the Pruett method[10], the degree of root canal curvature was measured using periapical radiographs, which showed that the curvature was mainly in the distal direction. The degree of curvature in the mesial and distal root was determined to be 91.5 (α) and 105 (β) degrees, with radii of curvature of 3.2 mm (r₁) and 3 mm (r₂), respectively (Figure 1C), indicating that the canals were severely curved, which made treatment difficult. Friedland et al[11] reported the use of three-dimensional reconstructions of CBCT images to efficiently and accurately observe and analyze anatomically curved canals. Hence, the precise assessment of root canal curvature is essential for guiding endodontic operations.

In this case, all the root canals were severely curved, especially the apical tip of the distal root canals (Figure 1), which was intractable to preparation and fillings. However, the small taper and flexibility of Ni-Ti files allow the original apical shape and position to be maintained[12]. In addition, files that are pre-bent into the root canal may retain more pericervical dentine and reduce dentin stress, instrument separation, and other complications[13]. The crown-down technique, which can be used to access canals, recommends a wide pathway to facilitate irrigation (Figure 2A-B). High concentrations of sodium hypochlorite with ultrasonic activation as a mechanochemical preparation can further eliminate infections of the lateral canals and curved apex. The use of lasers in dentistry fields confers many advantages, such as removing carious enamel and dentine and facilitating endodontic treatment and prosthetic procedures, including crown lengthening and sulcus uncovering[14]. Erbium laser-assisted working techniques in endodontic therapy can accelerate the healing processes via endodontic space decontamination and the removal of pathological tissues[15] and carious dental tissues, as well as through debridement and disinfection of periodontal tissue[16]. Photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) is a new technique that requires the use of an Er:YAG laser to activate the water molecules in irrigants to remove dentin debris and smear layers due to the positive radial effect[17,18]. For these curved canals, PIPS can be used to clean the apical region as well as the narrow area of irregular canals (traffic and the gorge area) that the files cannot reach, which is a minimally invasive method to disinfect the tooth[19]. Great importance should be attached to the ability to fill the apex of curvature since conventional canal fillings cannot seal the irregular apex. iRoot BP Plus can be used for repairs such as pulpotomy, pulp floor perforation repair, and root perforation repair[20]. Interestingly, we filled the curved apex with iRoot BP Plus (Figure 2C-F) due to its good sealing ability and its capacity to absorb water from the dentinal tubules and to prevent oral fluid contamination[21]. The apical barrier using bioceramic materials in the apical regions showed good biocompatibility, was chemically bonded to the dentin, and reduced the number of microcracks generated by pressurized filling[20]. Finally, crown restoration was performed to protect the remaining tooth tissue (Figure 2G-I) and the natural occlusion was checked (Figure 3A). At the 3-mo (Figure 3B) and 1-year (Figure 3C-I) follow-ups, the treated mandibular molar showed complete healing of the periapical lesion and a satisfactory effect was achieved.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, a thorough understanding of tooth and root canal morphology by CBCT during preoperative assessment is highly important in complicated cases. Exploring the root canals under magnification, making preparations with individual sequential techniques combined with new instruments such as ultrasonic activation and PIPS, and using fillings with bioceramics as an apical barrier are essential prerequisites to increase the success rate of this difficult endodontic treatment. Although the endodontic treatment of teeth with large periapical bone destruction and aberrant curved canals is difficult and intractable, nonsurgical root canal therapy was performed with novel devices and introduced skills in this case, resulting in a good prognosis (the periapical radiolucency disappeared without any symptoms). This report may also provide meaningful guidance and serve as a reference for other similar cases.