Radix entomolaris and paramolaris in children: a review of the literature.

Pediatric dentistry in the current scenario is not just about teeth and gums that are easily visible in children's mouth anymore. It is all about those structures that are hidden, difficult to identify, and often remain undiagnosed. Dentist can come across various anomalies pertaining to the crown structure during the clinical practice. Although supernumerary tooth is the most commonly seen anomaly, the presence of extra roots in molars is an interesting example of anatomic root variation. It is well known that both primary and permanent mandibular first molars usually have roots, one mesial, and the other distal root. Very rarely an additional third root (supernumerary root) is seen and when it is located distolingually to the main distal root is called "radix entomolaris (RE)" and when it is placed mesiobuccaly to the mesial root is called "radix paramolaris (RP)." The purpose of this article is to discuss the prevalence, morphology, classification, clinical diagnosis, and significance of supernumerary roots in contemporary clinical pediatric dentistry.