location and dimension of mandibular canal on cone beam computed tomography: A cross sectional study

Background and objective: Accurate understanding of the anatomy of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and its relation with anatomical landmarks of mandibular molar teeth can reduce the risk of unwanted injuries to the IAN during implant placement. Methods: 44 CBCTs of patients,who have been reffered to the private oral and maxillofacial radiology center, were examined by a radiologist on the axial, sagittal and coronal planes. Then, the distances between mandibular canal and buccal cortex (BN) and lingual cortex (LN), buccolingual width of the mandibular canal (BL), and the distances between the canal and apex of the first molar (M1N) and second molar of mandible (M2N) were obtained from cross-sectional images. Data were analyzed using SPSS17 software and Kolmogorov-smirnov and Mann-whitney test. Results: 21 males and 23 females aged 20 to 50 years old (mean age: 37.8±7.52) were examined. The mean intervals in the regions of first molar in the right and left sides were BN: 4.03,4.06 mm, LN: 2.10,2.58 mm, BL: 2.20,2.20 mm, and M1N: 5.77,5.78 mm and in the second molar region, on the right and left sides were BN: 5.21,5.20 mm, LN: 1.95,1.80 mm and BL: 2.30,2.20 mm and M2N: 3.85,3.55 mm, respectively. There was a significant difference in the mean buccolingual width of mandibular canal in both sides in the region of first molar and left side in the region of second molar between two genders. (P=0.009, P=0.019, P=0.045). Other measurements were not significantly different between two genders (P>0.05). The age range of patients had no effect on any of the distances and measurements (P>0.05). Conclusion: buccolingual width of mandibular canal in both sides in the region of first molar and left side in the region of second molar was associated with gender.