Assessment of the Relationship between the Mandibular Canal and Impacted Third Molars Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

The third molars are the dental organs with the most variations in terms of their formation and time of eruption, which can cause several pathologies. The incidence of third molar impaction varies between 20% and 30%, with predominance in females. Through the inferior dental canal, goes the inferior dental nerve to innervate the molars and lower premolars. Recent studies on variations in the position of the lower dental canal have shown a low incidence of variations. Objective: To determine the prevalence of anatomical variations of the inferior dental canal in relation to impacted lower third molars, by means of digital image analysis in patients who attended the X-Ray Imaging Center in Azogues in 2016. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients who attended the center X-Ray Imaging Center in Azogues in 2016. The following variables were analyzed: sex, age, variation of the position of the inferior dental canal in relation to the third impacted molar, the radiographic details according to the Monaco classification, and tooth position according to the Winter classification. In total, 64 radiographs were analyzed. Results: It was found that 5% of participants showed no relation of the inferior dental canal with the lower third molar, 72% had a relation of the dental canal with the third molar, and 23% presented with absence of the third molar. According to the Winter classification, the prevalence was 53% mesioangular, 18% horizontal, 19% vertical, 6% vestibuloversion, and 4% inverted. Conclusion: The third molars present high indexes of relation with the inferior dental canal in 18- to 29-year-old Ecuadorians.

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Anatomical positions of the inferior dental canal and its relationship with impacted lower third molars in 18- to 29-year-old Ecuadorians.

Sevilla

Inga

Castro

et al. 2018

Int J Med Surg Sci

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Comparative Analysis of Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Root Proximity to the Mandibular Canal using Orthopantomography and Cone-beam Computed Tomography Imaging Modalities: A Pilot Study

Joshi,

Dudhia,

Mehta

et al. 2024

Advances in Human Biology

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Introduction: Fully detect risks of nerve damage, which can lead to temporary or permanent issues. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers a three-dimensional (3D) view, providing more detailed visualisation of anatomical structures and their spatial relationships, which improves the accuracy of predicting nerve exposure. The study aims to evaluate and compare these imaging techniques’ effectiveness in categorising the relationship between third molars and the inferior alveolar canal, emphasising the importance of precise imaging for safer surgical outcomes. Materials and Methods: A pilot study involving 20 patients, representing 10% of the total sample size of 200, was conducted at Ahmedabad Dental College’s Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology. Investigators, trained to interpret radiological images from orthopantomography (OPG) and CBCT, compared their interpretations with those of two experts. A high inter-rater reliability was confirmed with a kappa statistic of 0.98. Following ethical approval, data were retrospectively collected from 20 cases, with digital OPG and CBCT images analysed and classified according to established criteria. Results: The results revealed a significant association between the results diagnosed through OPG and CBCT indicating similarity in their diagnosis. It was also seen that there was no bias towards the gender and the distribution was similar in case of diagnosis through OPG or CBCT. Conclusion: CBCT demands an in-depth understanding of anatomy and pathology, coupled with proficiency in operating imaging software and the ability to identify abnormalities in cross-sectional images. When executed and interpreted accurately, CBCT proves to be an exceptionally valuable tool in clinical dental practice. Its detailed 3D imaging capabilities enhance the assessment of complex cases, such as those involving intricate anatomical structures and pathologies. By providing comprehensive views that surpass traditional two-dimensional imaging, CBCT aids in precise diagnosis and treatment planning, making it an indispensable resource for addressing various dental conditions effectively.

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Reliability of cone beam computed tomography in comparison with panoramic radiography to predict the anatomical relationship of inferior alveolar nerve with mandibular third molar: A radiological and clinical study

et al. 2020

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A BSTRACT Objectives: The purpose of the study was to assess the precision of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in comparison with panoramic radiography in determining the anatomical relationship of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) with the impacted mandibular third molar. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients diagnosed with the following panoramic radiographic markers: darkening of the root, interruption of white line of mandibular canal, diversion of mandibular canal, and narrowing of the roots suggesting a close relationship of roots with the mandibular canal were selected and underwent an additional CBCT to assess the proximity of IAN to mandibular third molar roots. All patients were assessed for loss of sensation or neurosensory deficit in the chin and lower lip during postoperative period by objective and subjective methods. Results: Twenty patients with an average age of 25.4 years (21–39 years) with 21 impacted mandibular third molars were included in this sample. It was found that after the removal of impacted third molars, IAN was not visible in any of the cases and postoperative objective and subjective neurosensory tests showed no signs of neurosensory disturbances. Conclusion: The study found that CBCT had limited usefulness in neurovascular bundle exposure prediction, prior to surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars. The accuracy of radiographic markers in conventional panoramic radiography to predict neurovascular exposure was also limited.

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Assessment of the Relationship between the Mandibular Canal and Impacted Third Molars Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Cited by 3 publications

References 23 publications

Anatomical positions of the inferior dental canal and its relationship with impacted lower third molars in 18- to 29-year-old Ecuadorians.

Anatomical positions of the inferior dental canal and its relationship with impacted lower third molars in 18- to 29-year-old Ecuadorians.

Comparative Analysis of Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Root Proximity to the Mandibular Canal using Orthopantomography and Cone-beam Computed Tomography Imaging Modalities: A Pilot Study

Reliability of cone beam computed tomography in comparison with panoramic radiography to predict the anatomical relationship of inferior alveolar nerve with mandibular third molar: A radiological and clinical study

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