IADR Abstract Archives
Panoramic radiography and 3D exploration findings in preoperative examination of impacted mandibular third molars.
Objectives: Preoperative radiographic assessment of the mandibular third molars is essential to prevent inferior alveolar nerve damage during extraction. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of panoramic signs of the relation between the roots of mandibular third molars (M3M) and mandibular canal, and to evaluate panoramic signs with 3D exploration findings.
Methods: A prospective study performed in the department of oral medicine and oral surgery at the university dental clinic of Monastir during one year, from April 1st 2014 to March 31st 2015. An information sheet was completed for each patient who underwent an extraction of M3M. A sample of these patients benefited from an anatomo-radiological study of their extracted 3MM.
Results: The representative sample included 1679 patients with a mean age of 31 ± 13 years and a sex ratio of 0.61. The most common cause of M3M extraction is pericoronitis (67.85%). Panoramic radiography of 224 impacted mandibular third molars was evaluated to determine the relation of the root to the canal. The most radiographic sign was the interruption of the white line (56%). A 3D exploration was requested for 12.5% of the cases 67.85% of which showed contact between the mandibular canal and the root tip of the M3M.
Conclusions: Darkening of the roots and the interruption of the white line on panoramic radiographs might be highly suggestive of the risk of nerve injury.
Methods: A prospective study performed in the department of oral medicine and oral surgery at the university dental clinic of Monastir during one year, from April 1st 2014 to March 31st 2015. An information sheet was completed for each patient who underwent an extraction of M3M. A sample of these patients benefited from an anatomo-radiological study of their extracted 3MM.
Results: The representative sample included 1679 patients with a mean age of 31 ± 13 years and a sex ratio of 0.61. The most common cause of M3M extraction is pericoronitis (67.85%). Panoramic radiography of 224 impacted mandibular third molars was evaluated to determine the relation of the root to the canal. The most radiographic sign was the interruption of the white line (56%). A 3D exploration was requested for 12.5% of the cases 67.85% of which showed contact between the mandibular canal and the root tip of the M3M.
Conclusions: Darkening of the roots and the interruption of the white line on panoramic radiographs might be highly suggestive of the risk of nerve injury.