Mandibular Second Molar - Curved root Extraction

The mandibular second molar has many similarities with the mandibular first molar anatomically. The roots of the second molar may be straighter with less divergence from the furcation than in the first molar. The roots may be shorter, but there is no assurance that any of these differences will be manifested in any one tooth.

Mandibular Second Molar  has two well-developed roots, one mesial and one distal. These roots are broad buccolingually, but they are not as broad as those of the first molar, nor are they as widely separated.

Curvatures in the roots of molars pose difficulty during their root canal treatment, may cause failure of RCTs, and may be problematic even during extraction. Let's see how textbook specimens of mandibular second molar and a real life case of mandibular second molar differ and what you can expect during your clinical practice.

It took me nearly One hour and fifteen minutes to extract one particular mandibular second molar. I thought that may be due to the fatigue from the last procedure which had lasted nearly 2 hours. I even started thinking today is not a good day for extraction, after the mesial root started moving a little bit. I was taken aback when it came out in whole with its ghastly appearance as in the figure below. Few more minutes were required for the removal of distal root after this stubborn mesial root was removed.

Ten typical specimens of Mandibular Second Molar. Source: Wheeler's Dental Anatomy, Physiology and Occlusion 10th Edition

Also, ten atypical specimens.

Ten atypical specimens of mandibular Second molar. Ref: Wheeler's Dental Anatomy, Physiology and Occlusion, 10th Edition