Assessment and comparison of radiographic distance of mandibular first and second molars' apexes to inferior alveolar canal in Panoramic and CBCT

Abstract

The inferior alveolar canal of the mandible is clinically very important due to its susceptibility to damage during surgeries involving the mandible (planting implants and removing molars), and its anatomy examination based on imaging methods is essential. This study aimed to assess and compare the radiographic distance of mandibular first and second molars’ apexes from the inferior alveolar nerve canal on panoramic and CBCT images. Material and methods: A total of 100 mandibular first and second molars (both mesial and distal roots) were found bilaterally in this cross-sectional descriptive study from the archives of patients referred to the Tabriz School of Dentistry. Oral, panoramic images, and CBCT of 44 patients were selected simultaneously. Panoramic and CBCT images were prepared simultaneously. Panoramic images were prepared by Dental X-Ray System and CBCT images by New Tom VGi CT Verona Italy in cross-sectional sections. NNT viewer 8.0.0 software was used to examine CBCT images. For both types of images, the apex of the mandibular first and second molars were measured to the inferior alveolar canal. Images were reviewed by two observers (a maxillofacial radiologist and dentistry student). The data was analyzed by SPSS 20 software and t-test statistical tests. Result: CBCT and panoramic images of 100 teeth of both mesial and distal roots on the right and left sides of the mouth of 44 patients (56.8% female, 43.2% male) were examined. There was no significant difference between mandibular first and second molars’ apexes (both mesial and distal) on the right and left sides of mouth to the inferior alveolar canal on the two types of CBCT and panoramic images. Conclusion: There is no significant difference between CBCT and panoramic images in showing the distance of mandibular first and second molars’ apexes from the inferior alveolar nerve canal.