Endodontic management of a three-rooted taurodont mandibular second premolar using cone beam computed tomography

Mandibular second premolars are considered as an enigma to the endodontist because of their wide variations in root canal morphology. Mandibular premolars with three roots are rare and with taurodontism are even rarer. Failure to negotiate and properly treat these cases may result in the loss of the tooth. Knowledge of variations in root canal anatomy and accurate diagnosis with novel diagnostic aids like cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) assist in thorough debridement and three-dimensional obturation of the root canal system, thus increasing the success rate of nonsurgical endodontic treatment. This article describes the successful management of the right mandibular second premolar with taurodontism and three separate roots diagnosed using CBCT.