Validity of the vertical tube-shift method in determining the relationship between the mandibular third molar roots and the inferior alveolar nerve canal

Abstract

ObjectivesTo assess the validity of the vertical tube-shift method using intraoral periapical radiography (IOPAR) for determining the relationship between the mandibular third molar roots and the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) canal in comparison with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).Materials and MethodsFifty impacted mandibular third molars were analyzed using the IOPAR vertical tube-shift method and CBCT. The relationship of the IAN canal to the impacted mandibular third molar was recorded as buccal, lingual or in line with the apex and was compared with CBCT findings. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the vertical tube-shift method in depicting the relationship (buccal/lingual/in line with the apex) of the IAN canal to the third molar root apex was calculated.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity PPV and NPV of the IOPAR vertical tube-shift technique was found to be highest for a lingual relationship (100%) followed by buccal (94.4%, 92.3%, 97.1%, and 85.7%) and in line with the apex relationship (88.9%, 95.0%, 80.0%, and 97.4%) of the IAN canal with the third molar root apex, respectively. A statistically significant association was observed between the IOPAR vertical tube-shift method and the CBCT with a P-value <0.01.ConclusionThe vertical tube-shift method can be used as an effective diagnostic tool in assessing the relationship of the IAN canal to the third molar root apex with high sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV.

Evaluation of the association between mandibular canal and mandibular third molars on cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT)

“…Therefore, preoperative radiographic examination is routinely used in this process. 14 Radiographically, the third molar teeth are examined with two classifications according to position and inclusion. In Pell & Gregory (P&G) classification system third molar teeth are examined in 9 different groups according to their vertical and horizontal positions.…”

“…In Pell & Gregory (P&G) classification system third molar teeth are examined in 9 different groups according to their vertical and horizontal positions. [13][14][15] In the vertical category, cemento-enamel junction and occlusal plane are used as references. The horizontal plane is categorized by looking at its position relative to the ramus.…”

Preoperative imaging of the inferior alveolar nerve canal by cone-beam computed tomography and 1-year neurosensory recovery following mandibular setback through bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy: a randomized clinical trial

“…Therefore, preoperative radiographic examinations are of significant clinical value 8 . Although panoramic and lateral cephalography is the main method used, it is limited by inconsistencies in magnification of different parts of the image and its inability to exhibit all three-dimensions [8][9][10][11] . On the other hand, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) can illustrate buccolingual depth without distortion and seems excellent for localizing the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) and adjacent structures 8,10,[12][13][14] .…”

“…Although panoramic and lateral cephalography is the main method used, it is limited by inconsistencies in magnification of different parts of the image and its inability to exhibit all three-dimensions [8][9][10][11] . On the other hand, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) can illustrate buccolingual depth without distortion and seems excellent for localizing the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) and adjacent structures 8,10,[12][13][14] . Therefore, accurately determining the position of the IAN canal within the mandible with CBCT before surgery may reduce IAN dysfunction after BSSRO.…”

Influence of acquisition parameters on the evaluation of mandibular third molars through cone beam computed tomography

“…Unfortunately, the 2-dimensional nature of the images hinders depth assessment in the buccolingual direction. 2 Thus, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been advocated when there is suspicion of contact between the mandibular third molar and the mandibular canal or when there is uncertainty about the canal's position or course. 3,4 Although CBCT delivers lower radiation doses and is not as costly as multislice computed tomography, it is not a substitute for panoramic radiography with regard to those 2 parameters; therefore, oral surgeons normally request CBCT only after deciding that the information provided by panoramic radiography is insufficient for predictable preoperative planning.…”