Radix entomolaris and radix paramolaris in mandibular molars: a case series and literature review.

The success of root canal treatment depends on complete debridement of pulp tissue from the root canals. Therefore, a thorough knowledge of unusual anatomical findings is of utmost importance. Although the majority of mandibular molars present with 2 roots (mesial and distal) and 3 or 4 root canals, the number of roots and root canals in individual molars may vary. An extra root is called a radix entomolaris if it is located distolingually and a radix paramolaris if located mesiobuccally. This article presents a series of 5 cases of radix entomolaris and radix paramolaris in mandibular first, second, and third molars and reviews the literature on these morphologic variations.