L'anatomia endodontica dei secondi molari superiori: ricerca ex vivo

Aim: of the present study was to deter- mine anatomic complexities which can be seen in maxillary second molars, with a specific attention to the presence of MB2 (second mesio-buccal) canals. Methodology: 50 maxillary second molars, which had been extracted for periodontal reasons, were selected for the study, following strict exclusion cri- teria. After determining the different roots, only the mesio-buccal one was examined. Location and number of canals were determined (i) after a normal access cavity, (ii) after a wider removal of dentine from the chamber floor, and (iii) after sectioning the root 4 mm be- low the cementum-enamel junction. Data were collected and analyzed. Results: MB2 canals were present in 44% of the examined teeth (20% of ca- ses showed Weine 2 configuration, while the remaining 24% showed Weine 3 configuration). It was possible to estabilish patency in MB2 canals only in 28% of cases. Conclusions: MB2 canals are often present in maxillary second molars, being individuated in nearly half cases. This possibility and the presence of an indipendent apex make the research of MB2 canals mandatory during the endodontic treatment.