For the unsuspecting clinician, a common cause for non-surgical endodontic treatment failure in mandibular premolars is missed roots or canals, as the root canal morphologies of these teeth can sometimes be aberrant. Even in the absence of state-of-the art, three-dimensional imaging techniques, it is prudent clinical approach to have detailed pre-endodontic periapical radiographic assessment of these teeth. Evaluation of sudden changes in the density (fast break) of the root canal space, periodontal ligament contours, root bifurcation, if any, are important points to note, pre-operatively. Bifurcation of mandibular second premolar roots in the mesio-distal axis is very rare and even rarer when it occurs bilaterally. Radiographic exposure of asymptomatic contralateral teeth may also be necessary, to help uncover latent pathologies and evaluate the bilateral presence of anomalies, if any, to justify simple, early restorative intervention to obviate the need for later, more complex root canal treatment.