Endodontic treatment of hypertaurodontic teeth with anatomical variations: case reports

Gen Dent. 2021 Mar-Apr;69(2):64-68.

Abstract

Taurodontism, usually associated with genetic disorders, is an anomaly in dental development in which the tooth presents with a vertically elongated pulp chamber due to an invagination failure of the Hertwig epithelial sheath. This article presents 2 case reports describing the endodontic treatment of permanent taurodontic molars in systemically healthy patients. In case 1, a maxillary left first molar presented with hypertaurodontism and 5 root canals. In case 2, a mandibular left second molar presented with hypertaurodontism and a C-shaped canal. Treatment of both teeth was based on careful radiographic evaluation with magnification, which allowed the root canal orifices to be identified and the endodontic treatment to be performed. Chemical-mechanical preparation was performed with mechanized instruments and a 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution. As an auxiliary protocol to finish cleaning, passive ultrasonic irrigation was performed, and a thermoplastic filling technique was used. When complex internal anatomy and accessory root canals are present, endodontic treatment of a tooth presenting with hypertaurodontism can be challenging. Given the complexities of the present cases, the positive outcomes can be attributed to the use of magnification during endodontic procedures and meticulous attention to tooth preparation and obturation techniques.

Keywords: C-shaped canal; dental morphologic anomaly; endodontic treatment; taurodontism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Dental Pulp Cavity* / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Molar / diagnostic imaging
  • Root Canal Preparation
  • Root Canal Therapy
  • Tooth Abnormalities* / diagnostic imaging
  • Tooth Abnormalities* / therapy