Unusual anatomy of a maxillary first premolar.

Nonsurgical root canal therapy was performed on #5 with unusual morphology. (See images 1-6)

1. Pre-operative Radiograph

2. Pre-operative shift-shot

3. Palatal orifice

4. Two buccal orifices

5. Post-operative radiograph

6. Post-operative shift-shot

This case highlights the importance of pre-operative imaging. Whether it be in the form of conventional 2-D shift-shots or a 3-D CBCT scan, knowing what one will encounter before entering a tooth is a valuable asset.

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