Mandibular Canal and Its Incisive Branch : A CBCT Study (original) (raw)

Objective: Prevention from damage to the mandibular canal (MC) during invasive dental procedures is essential. The aim of this study was to determine the course of MC, anterior branch and its relation to mandibular teeth. Materials and Methods: In cross-sectional view, the MC diameter, the distance from root apex to MC, the distance of MC to mandibular lower border, the distance of MC from buccal and lingual cortical borders, from the distal root of third molar to first premolar in apex roots area of all posterior teeth were identified by using 207 CBCT images. The presence of the anterior loop, the position of mental foramen, position and diameter of incisive branch on the last visible point were also determined. Examples were divided into the groups in terms of age, sex and side and were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results: The nearest root to the MC was the distal root of third molar in women less than 30 years (0.38±0.58 mm) and the most distant root was the second premolar tooth in men 30-50 years (6.06±2.20 mm). The most common site for mental foramen, was between premolars and the area between the first premolar and canine teeth was the most common site for incisive canal on the last point of view. There was no significant differences between right and left mandibular measurements. Conclusion: The position of MC towards mandibular posterior teeth is more influenced by age and sex. Also, the position of MC towards the bucco-lingual plate depends on the antero-posterior position of mental foramen. So any procedures in the mandibular posterior area should be performed with sufficient knowledge of the nervous canal.