Journal of Endodontics
Abstract
Introduction
The
increased use of implants and potential endodontic misadventures can
lead to nerve damage. The purpose of this study was to use cone-beam
computed tomography (CBCT) measurements to investigate mandibular canal
(MC) location in relation to mandibular posterior teeth, the dimension
of the buccal and lingual bone over the MC, the diameter of the MC, and
the anterior loop location near the mental foramen.
Methods
CBCT scans from 106 patients (age, 18–69 years) were used to evaluate measurements from 636 teeth and respective MC areas.
Results
Respective
locations of MC to teeth (buccal, inferior, or lingual) were as
follows: second molar (57% buccal, 40% inferior, and 3% lingual), first
molar (18% buccal, 55% inferior, and 27% lingual), and second premolar
(33% buccal, 55% inferior, and 11% lingual). Buccal bone thickness over
the MC was thickest at mesial root of second molars and thinnest over
the second premolar (5.4 versus 2.6 mm). The lingual bone next to the MC
was thickest over the second premolar and thinnest at distal root of
first molars (3.8 versus 1.7 mm). The average diameter of the MC along
the length of the canal from second molar to second premolar was 3.03 mm
on left and 2.91 mm on right. The anterior loop was present in 10.4% of
patients, with the average depth below bone of 13.43 mm. The anterior
loop was more often seen on the left side than right and occurred
bilaterally 50% of the time.
Conclusions
Mandibular
bone thickness, nerve location, and dimension data all contribute to a
useful knowledge base for practitioners. The application of CBCT imaging
techniques aids in the surgical treatment, while offering advantages
over conventional periapical and panoramic films.
Comments