Variations in dental anatomy and canal morphology are found in all teeth. Knowledge of these variations, particularly the location and treatment of all canals, plays a key role in the success of endodontic therapy. The presence of extra canals, apical ramification, or lateral canals is commonly encountered, and their incidence and significance have been well-documented. However, the clinician should also be aware of the possibility of the existence of fewer root and/or canal numbers. Here is a case report of left maxillary first permanent molar with a single root and single canal. The goal of this clinical article is to report a maxillary molar with single root and single canal and to highlight the role of spiral computed tomography (SCT) as a method to confirm the three-dimensional (3D) anatomy of teeth.

To evaluate the efficacy and cleaning ability of two different rotary nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments and hand instruments with and without solvent (Endosolv R) in the removal of gutta-percha (GP) root fillings. Sixty extracted single-rooted anterior teeth were enlarged to size F3 and obturated with warm vertical compaction using AH Plus as the sealer. Removal of GP was performed with the following devices and techniques: Hedstrom files, ProTaper, and R-Endo files. The technique that removed GP most effectively was found using R-Endo instruments and Endosolv R, followed by R-Endo without solvent, followed by ProTaper with solvent, ProTaper without solvent, followed by Hedstrom files with solvent, and Hedstrom files without solvent. There was no visible filling material extruded apically. They concluded that under the experimental conditions, R-Endo and ProTaper NiTi instruments proved to be efficient and time-saving devices for the removal of GP. The use of Endosolv R as a solvent shortened the time to reach the working length (WL) and to remove the GP, but this was not significant.

Conventional radiographs used for the management of endodontic problems yield limited information because of the two-dimensional nature of images produced, geometric distortion and anatomical noise. This newer review paper seeks to clarify three-dimensional imaging techniques that have been suggested as adjuncts to conventional radiographs. These include tuned aperture computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, computed tomography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

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