IADR Abstract Archives
Proximity of the Mandibular Canal to Teeth and Cortical Bone
Objectives: The proximity of the mandibular canal to the mandibular molar roots may pose a risk of injury during various dental surgeries including implant placement, extractions and root canal treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomical relationships between the distal roots of the second molars and the inferior alveolar canal, as well as the mandibular cortex by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Methods: This retrospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. Eighty five patients with age of 20 years and older who underwent CBCT from April 2009 to September 2014 were enrolled (46 males, 39 females, mean age 40.7 years). All images were obtained with voxel size: 0.125-0.3mm. Distance between the mandibular canal and the second molar distal root apex as well as the four mandibular cortical regions (alveolar ridge, inferior cortex, buccal cortex and lingual cortex) was measured. The distance from the second molar distal root apex, buccal cortical bone and lingual cortical bone to the mandibular canal was measured parallel to the occlusal plane. The distance from the second molar distal root apex, alveolar ridge, inferior cortical bone was measured vertical to the occlusal plane. The patients were subcategorized by age (younger: 20-40 years; older: >40 years) and gender. Mann-Whitney’s U test was used and P values less than .05 were considered significant.
Results: Age
Distance between the second molar distal root apex and the mandibular canal was significantly shorter in younger patients (3.33mm) than older patients (4.01mm) (P<0.05).
Males versus Females
Distance between the lingual cortex and the mandibular canal was significantly shorter in males (1.99mm) than females (2.54mm) (P<0.05).
Conclusions: CONCLUSIONS:
The mandibular canal takes more lingual course in males compared to females, and nearer to the second molar apex in younger patients than older patients.
Methods: This retrospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. Eighty five patients with age of 20 years and older who underwent CBCT from April 2009 to September 2014 were enrolled (46 males, 39 females, mean age 40.7 years). All images were obtained with voxel size: 0.125-0.3mm. Distance between the mandibular canal and the second molar distal root apex as well as the four mandibular cortical regions (alveolar ridge, inferior cortex, buccal cortex and lingual cortex) was measured. The distance from the second molar distal root apex, buccal cortical bone and lingual cortical bone to the mandibular canal was measured parallel to the occlusal plane. The distance from the second molar distal root apex, alveolar ridge, inferior cortical bone was measured vertical to the occlusal plane. The patients were subcategorized by age (younger: 20-40 years; older: >40 years) and gender. Mann-Whitney’s U test was used and P values less than .05 were considered significant.
Results: Age
Distance between the second molar distal root apex and the mandibular canal was significantly shorter in younger patients (3.33mm) than older patients (4.01mm) (P<0.05).
Males versus Females
Distance between the lingual cortex and the mandibular canal was significantly shorter in males (1.99mm) than females (2.54mm) (P<0.05).
Conclusions: CONCLUSIONS:
The mandibular canal takes more lingual course in males compared to females, and nearer to the second molar apex in younger patients than older patients.