The evaluation of intraosseous neurovascular contents of mandible using CBCT in clientele of the radiology department of dental faculty of Tabriz medical university on 1396-1398

Abstract

Introduction: The mandibular bifid canal contains a wide variety of intravascular mandibular neurovascular components. Detecting the position of these neurovascular components such as inferior alveolar dental nerve (IADN), retromolar, incisor and nutritional canals, etc. can prevent iatrogenic injuries such as mandibular osteotomy, as well as injuries during orthognathic surgery and third molars rempving, implants, Endo, oral tumors and etc. Considering the diversity of neurovascular components in different populations and the importance of identifying these components in the success of dental treatments, the aim of this study was to evaluate the intraosseous neurovascular components by CBCT images in patients referred to the School of Dentistry of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences during 1996-98.

Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study was performed on mandible CBCT images of 278 patients referred to the radiology department of the School of Dentistry of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences during the 1396-98. CBCT images observed and evaluated using NNT viewer software, by an oral and maxillofacial radiologist, on cross-sectional, axial and sagittal sections in 1 mm step for comparing two sides in terms of identification and positioning of IADN nerve, retromolar, Incisional and nutritional canals, and mandibular, lingual, and mental foramens.

Results: In this study, the mean distance between IADN channel with the right first molar apex was 6.5±1.3 and the left one was 5.9±1.1 mm, with the right second molar apex was 5.5±1.3 and the left one was 5.8±1.4 mm. Most patients had 1 IADN channels on both sides. About 23-25% of patients had retromolar canals. The prevalence of incisal canals was about 88-91% and the prevalence of feeding canals was about 60-62%. Mandibular nerve foramens were located in the lingual part with a number (on both sides) oftenly. 89.2% had medial lingual foramens and 70.5% had lateral lingual foramens. Mental foramens were often located between the apex of the first and second premolars and about 92% had a mental foramen. 58.3% and 54.7% of patients had anterior loop of mental nerve on the right and left sides, respectively.

Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, it is recommended to examine the intraosseous neurovascular components of the mandible before dental treatment with CBCT images. Keywords: Mandibular components, Medible neurovascular components, CBCT