Dr Rico D. Short

It’s MBTUESDAY!
I got 2 Tips For You!…but first…
Did you know….On average, about 70-95% of maxillary first molars have an MB2 canal, but it may be difficult to locate without enhanced visualization tools like a dental microscope.

2 Tips for Locating and Instrumenting the MB2 Canal in Maxillary First Molars

1. Preoperative Assessment
• Use CBCT Imaging: This helps visualize the MB2 canal’s presence, trajectory, and curvature before starting.
• Analyze the Pulp Chamber Floor: A darker groove running from MB1 to the palatal canal often indicates MB2.

2. Proper Access Cavity Design
• Extend the Access Slightly Mesially: The traditional triangular access should be modified into a rhomboidal or slightly oval shape to expose MB2.
• Remove the Dentin Shelf: The MB2 canal is often hidden beneath a dentinal overhang—gently troughing with high speed round bur or ultrasonics.

More in my textbook available on Amazon!