An examination of 5616 endodontically treated and retreated maxillary first and second molars was made in an attempt to determine the percentage of MB2 canals that could be located routinely, and evaluate if there were any significant differences between initial treatments and retreatments. The teeth examined were 3578 first molars and 2038 second molars treated consecutively over a 5-yr period by six endodontists. Overall the MB2 canal was found in 2133 (60%) first molars, and 712 (35%) second molars. The incidence of a MB2 canal in first molar retreatments was 66% compared to a 58% incidence in initial treatments. Whereas in second molars the retreatment incidence was 40% compared to 34% in initial treatments. The significant difference in the incidence of a MB2 canal between initial treatments and retreatments suggests that failure to find and treat existing MB2 canals will decrease the long-term prognosis.

An examination of 1873 conventionally treated and retreated maxillary first and second molars was made in an attempt to determine the percentage of second mesiobuccal (MB2) canals that could be located routinely and evaluate if there were any significant differences between initial treatments and retreatments. The teeth examined were 1193 first molars and 680 second molars treated consecutively over a 2-yr period by five endodontists. Overall the MB2 canal was found in 724 (61%) first molars and 245 (36%) second molars. The incidence of a MB2 canal in first molar retreatments was 67% compared to a 59% incidence in initial treatments. Whereas in second molars, the retreatment incidence was 44% compared with 35% in initial treatments. The significant difference in the incidence of a MB2 canal between initial treatments and retreatments suggests that failure to find and treat existing MB2 canals will decrease the long-term prognosis.