Branching of mandibular canal on cone beam computed tomography images.

BACKGROUND: Mandibular neurovascular canal contents may be vulnerable to damage during mandibular surgical procedures. Greater knowledge of the location and configuration of the mandibular canal can help in the safe performance of these procedures in the dental clinic. Cross-sectional CBCT imaging is a good modality for studying the course, location, configuration and accessory branches of the mandibular canal. The aim of this study was to observe the branching of the mandibular canal at different segments of the mandible and mandibular tooth groups.

METHODS: CBCT images of 116 mandibular halves were included in this study. The presence of secondary branching of the mandibular canal in the ramus, retromolar area, molar and premolar teeth as well as the length, diameter and angle of these branches were observed.

RESULTS: sixty nine mandibular halves (59.5%), had a main canal with no branching, There were 36 IAC (31%) with one, 8 (6.9%) with two, 2 (1.7%) with three and 1(0.9%) with 5 accessory branches. Of these secondary branches, 16 (25.4%) were in the ramus, 16(25.4%) in the retromolar, and 31(49.2%) in the molar regions.

CONCLUSION: Advanced cross-sectional imaging modalities especially CBCT is a suitable tool for observing anatomic characteristics of mandibular canal to preserve this vital structure in surgical procedures.