What is an accessory canal?
Cheung et al. (2007) defined an accessory canal as a fine branch of the pulp canal that diverged at an oblique angle from the main canal to exit into the periodontal ligament space, whilst a lateral canal was defined as a branch diverging at almost right angles from the main canal.
Which teeth have more accessory canals?
Maxillary incisor teeth have the highest tendency for accessory root/root canal aberrations caused by anomalies such as dens invaginatus and palato-gingival groove. Primary anterior teeth may exhibit external and internal anatomical variations in the root, especially maxillary canines.
Where are the accessory canals usually located within the tooth?
These accessory canals are usually located in areas where the roots of multi-rooted teeth join, or around the last third of the root, but can also be found anywhere along the length of a main root canal. An x-ray showing multiple accessory canals successfully treated.
What is the difference between lateral canal and accessory canal?
An accessory canal is any branch of the main pulp canal or chamber that communicates with the external surface of the root. A lateral canal is an accessory canal located in the coronal or middle third of the root, usually extending horizontally from the main root canal.
How do I find accessory canal?
Before, during, and after a root canal procedure, your dentist will x-ray the area so that he or she can monitor the results. If a dentist suspects an accessory canal, he or she may even take imaging a step further and do a cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) scan.
What are canals in tooth?
A root canal is a dental procedure involving the removal of the soft center of the tooth, the pulp. The pulp is made up of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels that help the tooth grow. In the majority of cases, a general dentist or endodontist will perform a root canal while you’re under local anesthesia.
What can you do for a root canal pain?
If Pain After Root Canal Treatment Occurs: What You Can Do
- Call your endodontist if you continue to experience pain after your procedure.
- Apply an ice pack to soothe and calm the pain.
- Take an over-the-counter pain medication such as Ibuprofen to help relieve pain and reduce swelling.
- Try a saltwater gargle.
What percentage of teeth have accessory canals?
Accessory canals were demonstrated in the “furcation region” in 28.4% of the total sample; 29.4% in mandibular molars, and 27.4% in maxillary molars.
Why are lateral canals important?
Lateral canals harboring inflamed and/or infected material may cause pain during endodontic treatment. They may simulate periodontal disease and may cause problems with treatment if present when a tooth is left open for drainage. Periodontal disease may cause pulp exposure via lateral canals located coronally.