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Maxillary Ovoid

# Maxillary Canine

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![Maxillary canine — oval palatal access cavity with a single slot-shaped canal orifice](https://endo-guide.app/images/access-cavities/atlas/maxillary-canine.webp)

Maxillary canine — oval palatal access cavity with a single slot-shaped canal orifice

 Average Length 26.5 mm

 Root Development 14 years

 Universal # 6, 11

 FDI # 13, 23

### Access Cavity Design

Shape Ovoid

OrientationLonger axis oriented labiopalatally; centered on palatal surface, extending toward incisal edge as needed

Entry PointPalatal surface, slightly below mid-crown

DimensionsM-D: 1.54 mmB-L: 2.24 mm

Landmarks

- Cusp tip as superior reference for access extent
- Cingulum as inferior boundary

Do Not Invade

- Cusp tip (preserve structural integrity of heavily functioning cusp)
- Labial wall (esthetic zone — maintain dentin thickness)

### Canal Anatomy

#### Configurations

Single canal (Vertucci Type I)98-100%

Two canals (Vertucci Type II or III)1-2%

#### Canal Positions

 MC Main Canal

Ovoid at cervical (mesiodistally elongated), progressively round toward apex; may curve in any direction in last 2-3 mm

 B Buccal Canal

When 2 canals present (rare, Type II/III)

 P Palatal Canal

When 2 canals present (rare)

#### Danger Zones

- ⚠Distal/palatal root surface — thin dentin wall, perforation risk during shaping
- ⚠Buccal bone fenestration over canine eminence (~27% prevalence)
- ⚠Exceptional length (26.5 mm avg) — instrument fatigue risk in apical third

### Clinical Tips

Warning

LONGEST tooth (~26.5 mm average) — requires 25 mm instruments; may need 31 mm for exceptionally long canines

Technique

Use long-shanked round burs (e.g., Endo-Z, Munce Discovery) for deep pulp chambers

Tip

May need to extend incisally for straight-line access — balance access vs. cusp preservation

Warning

Preserve cusp tip integrity — excessive incisal extension weakens this heavily functioning tooth

### Anatomical Variations

#### Two Canals (Type II/III)

1-2%

Rare bifurcation within single root, typically Vertucci Type II (2-1) or Type III (1-2-1). Documented in case reports across multiple populations.

Access Modification: Extended labiopalatal access to locate both orifices; CBCT recommended

#### Root Dilaceration

~9.8%

Abnormal curvature or angulation of root, mostly mild and distal in the apical third. Can complicate canal negotiation and instrumentation.

Access Modification: Pre-curve files; use flexible heat-treated NiTi; consider CBCT for severe dilaceration

#### Two or Three Roots

Extremely rare (isolated case reports)

Supernumerary roots documented in isolated case reports. Three-rooted maxillary canines are an anatomical rarity.

Access Modification: CBCT mandatory for mapping; access extended to accommodate all orifices

### Other teeth in the atlas

Maxillary

[Maxillary Central Incisor](https://endo-guide.app/access-cavities/max-central-incisor)[Maxillary Lateral Incisor](https://endo-guide.app/access-cavities/max-lateral-incisor)[Maxillary First Premolar](https://endo-guide.app/access-cavities/max-first-premolar)[Maxillary Second Premolar](https://endo-guide.app/access-cavities/max-second-premolar)[Maxillary First Molar](https://endo-guide.app/access-cavities/max-first-molar)[Maxillary Second Molar](https://endo-guide.app/access-cavities/max-second-molar)

Mandibular

[Mandibular Central Incisor](https://endo-guide.app/access-cavities/mand-central-incisor)[Mandibular Lateral Incisor](https://endo-guide.app/access-cavities/mand-lateral-incisor)[Mandibular Canine](https://endo-guide.app/access-cavities/mand-canine)[Mandibular First Premolar](https://endo-guide.app/access-cavities/mand-first-premolar)[Mandibular Second Premolar](https://endo-guide.app/access-cavities/mand-second-premolar)[Mandibular First Molar](https://endo-guide.app/access-cavities/mand-first-molar)[Mandibular Second Molar](https://endo-guide.app/access-cavities/mand-second-molar)

For Educational Purposes Only

Access cavity designs based on established endodontic principles. Always refer to current literature and clinical guidelines.

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