Root canal treatment of three-rooted maxillary first and second premolars--a case report.

AIM: To report the diagnosis and successful clinical management of a patient with anatomical variation in maxillary first and second premolars.
SUMMARY: Maxillary premolars have a highly variable root canal morphology, but it is rare, especially in the second premolar, to find three canals. This article describes the diagnosis and clinical management of first and second premolars with three canals and three separate roots, drawing particular attention to radiographic interpretation and access refinements. KEY LEARNING POINTS: Clinicians should be aware of anatomical variations in maxillary premolars and be able to apply this knowledge in radiographic and clinical interpretation. Access cavity refinements may be required for stress-free entry to complex anatomy. Complex premolar anatomy may be predictably managed following its identification and negotiation.