Clinical identification and endodontic management of furcation canals: a case series

In the case of endodontic infection, the presence of furcation canals can be at the origin of a periodontal lesion located in the furcation. The furcation being very close to the marginal periodontium, this type of lesion can be favorable to the genesis of an endo-periodontal lesion. These furcation canals are lateral canals located on the pulp chamber floor and constitute one of the many physiological communication pathways between endodontic and periodontal tissues. These canals are most often difficult to localize, shape, and to fill because of their small diameter and length. The disinfection of the pulp chamber floor with sodium hypochlorite solution may contribute to the disinfection of furcation canals when they are not identified, shaped, and/or filled. This case series illustrates the endodontic management of visible furcation canals associated with an endo-periodontal lesion. These furcation canals had a large diameter which allowed their identification during the endodontic treatment.