Middle mesial canal of the permanent mandibular first molars: an anatomical challenge directly related to the outcome of endodontic treatment.

To effectively clean and shape the mandibular permanent first molars it is mandatory to understand in detail their complex internal anatomy. The middle mesial canal is an additional canal located between the usual mesiobuccal and mesiolingual canals in the mesial root of mandibular first molars. The incidence of the middle mesial canal, its relationship with main canals of the mesial root and the possibility for it to be negotiated is an important practical issue in endodontics. To identify the presence of this canal is mandatory. Accordingly, a modified endodontic access, the use of the operating microscope and periapical radiographs in two different horizontal projections are indicated to enhance the long-term favorable outcome of the endodontic treatment.