PEREIRA SANTOS, Icaro Guilherme et al. Topography of the Mandibular Canal and Relationship with Third Molars in Cone-Beam CT. Rev. cir. traumatol. buco-maxilo-fac. []. 2016, 16, 4, pp. 12-17. ISSN 1808-5210.

The mandibular canal (MC) is an anatomical structure that contains the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle. Mandibular third molars (MTMs) have a close relationship with the MC, leading to increased susceptibility to inferior alveolar nerve complications. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) allows better visualization of this relationship. Objective: To determine the topography of the MC and its relationship with MTMs using CBCT. Methods: CBCT digital images of 24 patients acquired using the i-CAT® system were analyzed. Results: The mean distance from the root tip to the MC was 0.66 mm, and the zero distance (0.0 mm) was the most prevalent (65.8%). The vertical position of the root tip relative to the MC was more frequently inferior (42.1%), whereas the horizontal position was more frequently lingual (65.8%). The mean distance between the buccal cortex and the MC was 3.82 mm (minimum: 1.52; maximum: 8.84) and between the lingual cortex and the MC was 2.55 mm (minimum: 1.25; maximum: 4.91). The MC was most commonly located at a lingual position relative to the mandibular cortices (63.2%) (buccal position: 25.3%; equidistant: 10.5%). Conclusion: Based on these results, we conclude that: a) There was a higher prevalence of the zero distance from the root tip to the MC; b) Vertically positioned root tips were more commonly located in the inferior position, and horizontally positioned root tips in the lingual position; and c) Lingual position of the MC was the most prevalent.

: Cone-beam computed tomography; Third molar; Impacted tooth.