C-Shaped Canal Configuration in Mandibular Second Molar

Fig. 1

Melton Classification

In Melton’s classification, there has been no clear description of the difference between categories II and III as well as the clinical significance; therefore in 2009 Zapata described the classification of C-shaped according to their canal configuration which was a modification of Melton’s method that modified by Fan Bing et al. 2004 into the following categories:

I Category (C1):

The shape was an uninterrupted “C” with no separation or division.

II Category (C2):

The canal shape resembled a semicolumn resulting from a discontinuation of the “C” outline, but either angle α or β should be no less than 60°.

III Category (C3):

Two or three separate canals and both angles, α and β were less than 60°.

IV Category (C4):

Only one round or oval canal in that cross- section.

V Category (C5):

No canal lumen could be observed.

Fig. 2

Fan et al (2004) classification

Fig. 3

Measurement of angles for the C2 canal. Angle α and β is more than 60°. A and B: ends of one canal cross-section; C and D: ends of the other canal cross-section; M: middle point of line; AD; α: angle between line AM and line BM; β: angle between line CM and line DM.

Fig. 4

Measurement of angles for the C3 canal. Both angle α and β are less than 60°. A and B: ends of one canal cross-section; C and D: ends of another canal cross-section;

M: middle point of line AD;

α: angle between line AM and line BM;

β: angle between line CM and line DM.

Diagnosis

The preoperative awareness or diagnosis of a C-shaped canal configuration before treatment can facilitate an effective management. There are two ways that can help us to diagnose or identified C-shape preoperatively.

1. Preoperative radiograph

In all endodontic cases, preoperative radiograph is a must for making a good diagnosis. By taking a preoperative radiograph it will provide us many clues in the identification of any variation in root canal morphology as well as in C-shape canal configuration.

C-shaped root in a mandibular second molar may present radiographically as a single-fused root or as two distinct roots with a communication. When the communication or fin connecting the two roots is very thin, it is not visible on the radiograph and may thus give the appearance of two distinct roots. The radiograph may also reveal a large and deep pulp chamber.

Fan et al (2004) furthermore classified the radiographic appearance of a C-shaped into three different types:

Type I:

Conical or square root with a vague, radiolucent longitudinal line separating the root into distal and mesial parts. There was a mesial and a distal canal that merged into one before exiting at the apical foramen.

Type II:

Conical or square root with a vague, radiolucent longitudinal line separating the root into distal and mesial parts. There was a mesial and a distal canal, and the two canals appeared to continue on their own pathway to the apex.

Type III:

Conical or square root with a vague, radiolucent longitudinal line separating the root into distal and mesial parts. There was a mesial and a distal canal, one canal curved to and superimposed on this radiolucent line when running toward the apex, and the other canal appeared to continue on its own pathway to the apex.

Fig. 5

Radiographic type of C-shaped Canal (Fan et al 2004)

2. Clinical Diagnosis

As for clinical diagnosis, following access cavity, the pulp chamber in teeth with C-shaped canals may be large in the occluso-apical dimension with a low bifurcation. Other authors reported that the pulpal floor in C-shaped teeth can vary from peninsula like with a continuous C-shaped orifice to non C-shaped floors as per the classification given (Min et al 2006).

Fan et al 2004 also mentioned that for mandibular second molar to have a C-shaped canal system, it has to exhibit all the following three characteristics:

1. Fused roots.

2. A longitudinal groove on lingual or buccal surface of the root.

3. At least one cross-section of the canal should belong to the C1, C2, C3 or C4 configuration.

A magnification is also important to help us identify this pulp chamber anatomy of C-shaped canals. But, when a C-shaped canal orifice is evident, we must remember that we cannot assume that such a shape continues throughout its length.

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Management

Basically like any other endodontic treatments, procedures and sequences that of C-shaped canals is also the same. But, since we have more complexity with the anatomical variations such as high percentage of canal irregularities, accessory and lateral canals as well as apical delta that make us more difficult to locate, shape, clean and seal adequately. Therefore we have to put more attention to details for treating this C-shaped canal.

Access Cavity

Access Cavity is very important for teeth with C-shape configuration. We have to remember that the appearance of the pulp chamber and orifices is not the same like regular mandibular molars. This is very important since, in my experience, quite many cases that come in for retreatment of C-shaped canal failed due to under or over access cavity. Sometimes we also need to modify our access for easier identification of orifice location and easier manipulation of our endodontic instruments. Usually when the orifice is continuous C-shape or arch like from mesiobuccal to distal (MB-D), the number of canals can vary from one to three and when the orifice is oval or flat, the number of canals may be one or two. Also when the orifice is round-shaped, there is usually only one canal below the orifice.

Fig. 12

Retreatment case of second mandibular right molar with C-shaped canal configuration. Due to under access of previous treatment, the operator failed to identify the C-shaped anatomy.

Shaping, Cleaning and Obturation

The complexity of C-shaped canals requires appropriate shaping and cleaning procedure as well as obturation technique. Due to large area of canal space, it is doubtful that our shaping instruments can reach and debride the entire portion of the systems. A large shaping size can also create a high risk of root perforation since these have thinner lingual walls in second mandibular molars C-shaped canal.

In this C-shaped canal, irrigation plays a very important role. Copius irrigation of 5,25% of NaOCl along with sonic or ultrasonic agitation are mandatory. This is needed to ensure maximum disinfection and debridement as well as tissue removal of the large volumetric space in C-shaped canal.

Obturation of C-shaped canals may require technique modifications. Although some canals may be obturated as standard, due to large volumetric extension of the C-shaped canal, the use of thermoplasticized gutta-percha is mandatory to achieve three dimensional obturation.

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Case 1

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Case 2

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Case 3

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Case 4

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Case 5a

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Case 5b

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Case 6

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Case 7

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Case 8