Management of Radix Paramolaris With a Distal Canal in the Mandibular First Molar: A Case Report

Mandibular first molars, also called six-year molars as they appear at around six years of age, are the first permanent teeth to erupt in the oral cavity. They are the teeth most commonly affected by dental caries. Anatomically, the tooth presents with two roots and three canals. In very rare cases, presence of an extra root or a supernumerary root has been associated with the tooth. When this root is present lingual to the distal root, it is called radix entomolaris whereas when it is present buccal to the mesial root, it is called radix paramolaris. The presence of veiled canals is possible due to variation in the anatomy of the tooth. It is therefore necessary to locate, prepare and obturate these hidden canals in order to achieve success in endodontic treatment.