Evaluation of proximity of the inferior alveolar canal with apex of mandibular premolar and molar by Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)

Abstract

Background/Aim: Endodontic therapies might be caused damage to inferior alveolar nerve(IAN). therefore, it seems important to realize the situation of IAN due to itssurronding structures before treatment to prevent from damage.the research aimed at studying the proximity of inferior alveolar canal to the apex of mandibular premolar and molar by using cone beam computed tomography(CBCT).

Materials and Methods: This analytical epidemiology study is retrospective cohort in which CBCT radiographs of 220 patients(16-67 years old) who referred to Faculty of Dentistry,University of Tabriz were studied.vague images of inferior alveolar nerve,teeth of special pathology that affect canal contact and also,in case of fracture,pathology or bone syndrome in mandibule were eliminated from the study.all measurements were conducted by CBCT and processed by the software NNT viewer.the parameters included cross sections of 0.3 mm thickness.minimum distance of root apex to the upper part of the inferior alveolar canal was computed.The measurements of each root apex classified due to the age and gender of the subjects.Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 20 And analyzed by using T-Test and analysis of One Way ANOVA.

Results: Maximum distance of teeth from inferior alveolar canal on both side related to the first premolar in men was about 5.7 mm. The minimum distance on both sides related to the third molar in women was about 2.91 mm. No significant difference indicated in distal and mesial in third molar,but the distance among first and second molar teeth and distal was significantly higher than mesial distance(P<0.5). In second premolar teeth the distance on right side was higher than the left one (P<0.5). But in first premolar,it was the same on both sides.In third molar tooth there was no significant difference among males and females.However ,in first and second molar and premolar teeth ,the distance was significantly higher in males than females(P<0.5). There was not any significant difference in each of three tooth types among different age groups. Conclusion: Premolars have the maximum and third molar tooth has the minimum distance from the inferior alveolar canal. Gender is significant while age is not effective on distance.