Unusual deviation of the main foramen from the root apex

Abstract

The relation of the major foramen with the anatomic root apex has been the subject of several studies. Although they are anatomically close, they rarely coincide, and their distance can vary according to age or tooth type, ranging from 0.2 to 3.0 mm. The aim of this short communication was to report that the exit of the middle mesial canal (MMC) in mandibular molars might show considerable variations, reaching distances more than 3 mm from the anatomical apex. Twenty-five mandibular first molars with MMC were scanned (resolution of 9.9 μm) and the distance from its main foramen to the anatomical apex was evaluated. Overall, the distance showed considerable variations; however, in 3 specimens this distance reached more than 3 mm. This study aimed to demonstrate that the exit of the main foramen of the MMC shows considerable variations and could reach a major distance from the anatomical apex than previously reported in the literature.