It is difficult to correlate the direction of mandibular canal branches (MCBs) with altered sensation in dental treatments. In contrast, calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP) is related to vasodilation, bone formation, and the interaction with the peripheral nervous system. Therefore, we investigated the detailed morphological characteristics of MCBs using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and observation of the CGRP distribution around the MCB. The MCB measurements were evaluated using principal component analysis (PCA) to identify morphological correlations. A total of 168 sides of mandibles from 84 cadavers were analyzed in this study. Most of the MCBs were primarily in the direction of the clock model from X to XI in sagittal sections and XII to I in coronal sections of the mandible. The structure of the MCB was divided into the fine canal branch (60.4%, 223/369), partial branch (24.4%, 90/369), and no canal branch (15.2%, 56/369). PCA indicated that the measurement element with the MCB and its structures were correlated in contrast to tooth factors. Positive CGRP reactions were clearly observed in the no-canal branch group compared to other groups. These data provide useful suggestions for MCB dynamics and information for clinical dental treatment.

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Objectives This study focused on the detailed distribution of microvessels in the mandibular canal (MC) and the localized expression of neurotransmitters to assess the relationship between microvessel supply and MC structure using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for safe and reliable dental implant treatment. Materials and methods In this study, mandibles from 45 sides of 23 human cadavers aged 76–104 years were examined microscopically, immunohistochemically and by CBCT analysis. These data were further evaluated by principal component analysis (PCA). Results The MC structure was classified into three types, including complete (57.0%, 228/400), partial (33.8%, 135/400) and unclear (9.2%, 37/400), for dentulous and edentulous subjects. Calcitonin gene-related peptide- and neuropeptide Y-positive reactions were mainly found in the inferior region of the MC. PCA results revealed that developed capillaries were mainly localized in the molar regions. Conclusions Our findings indicate that microvessels express neurotransmitters on the vasa nervorum of the inferior alveolar nerve and vein and artery. These irregular large microvessels are mainly located in dentulous subjects, which may provide useful information for dental implant treatment. Clinical Relevance: The microvessel supply pattern might signify a risk of pain in the molar and premolar regions in dentulous and edentulous subjects undergoing CBCT analysis of the MC for dental implant surgery based on oral health-related quality of life.

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