Endodontic treatment of two maxillary lateral incisors with anomalous root formation

Summary Case reports of two cases of gemination of maxillary lateral incisors are reported. In both cases, it was determined that the main canal had remained vital, while the radiographic area had appeared in association with the accessory root canal to the mesial. Treatment plan for each case was quite different, although initial description of the cases appeared similar. The first case reported was opened in error without assessing the vitality of the main canal. However, because the canals were exposed, both canals were obturated by conventional means, and surgical intervention of the apical tissues was postponed and appeared not to be necessary. The second case had somewhat dissimilar root anatomy; whereupon, surgical curettage and sealing of the root defect was done in one operation. Healing in this case has progressed without the loss of vitality of the main root. The need for a complete diagnosis, including the use of the electric pulp tester to corroborate pulp vitality, is stressed.