Dr. Francesca Cerutti – Italy

2007: Graduated with honor in dentistry from the University of Brescia – Faculty of Medicine

2013: PhD in Materials for the Engineering from the University of Brescia – Faculty of Engineering

2016: Master in Aesthetic Medicine

Francesca Cerutti has been a speaker in national and international congresses.

Member of the Italian Society of Endodontics, she has been Editorial coordinator of the Italian Endodontic Journal from 2008 to 2011.

She was Visiting Professor at the University of Milan.

She is Gold Member of Style Italiano Endodontics.

Reviewer for international journals, she published several articles in peer-reviewed papers.

She is co-author of restorative dentistry and endodontics books.

Teach me how to scout for MB2 canal.

One of the main reasons of failure of root canal treatment is missed anatomy, that can lead to the development of post-treatment disease. In upper molars the most frequently missed canal is the second mesio-buccal canal, also known as MB2.

The Literature has widely show that the prevalence of MB2 canal is higher in maxillary first molar (69.6%; 64.5%-74.8%) than in second molars (39.0%; 31.1%-46.9%), despite these data, finding this canal seems to be a challenge for a number of clinicians.

In general, the position of the MB2 canal is external to the line that conjuncts the mesio-buccal and the palatal canals, but the root canal opening is often hidden by a dentine triangle.

To find this canal one should use of proper magnification and light, examine carefully the radiographs (periapical X-rays or CBCT), execute a correct access cavity, then follow the lines on the pulp chamber floor and use a small explorer.

Some tricks can also be used, such as the WHITE LINE TEST, RED LINE TEST or BLOOD TRACING, BUBBLE TEST and DYE TEST.

Aim of this lecture will be to review the prevalence of the MB2 canal in maxillary molars and to explain how to look for it avoiding mishaps. It will also be shown how to negotiate this canal in a fast and effective way, preventing the creation of blocks and ledges or the fracture of the instruments. An overview of the most convenient filling methods for this canal will be done.