J Korean Assoc Maxillofac Plast Reconstr Surg.  2009 Nov;31(6):492-498.

Positional Relationship of the Mandibular Canal and Impacted Third Molars by Using Dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography

• Chu YG
• Park YI
• Kim JW
• Lee SH

Abstract

We sought to evaluate the relationship between the mandibular canal and impacted mandibular third molars by using dental cone beam computed tomograph(CBCT) for third molar surgery. A total of 111 patients(177 teeth) offered the images through CBCT and panoramic radiography for the extraction of the mandibular third molars. In CBCT, the accurate relationship between the third molar and the mandibular canal were evaluated. In panoramic radiographies, we evaluated the impacted level and superimposition sign of the mandibular third molar with the mandibular canal, and also, the radiopacity of the white line in the canal. Data were statistically analyzed and estimated by chi-square-test. In CBCT finding, high prevalence of contact between the mandibular canal and roots occured in the deep impacted third molars, narrowing mandibular canals, bending mandibular canals and cases where the radiopacity of white line of canals were "absence" on panoramic images. It showed statistical significance (P<0.05). When evaluating the mandibular canal and the roots through the panoramic radiography for third molar extraction, it could be difficult to diagnosis accurately. Thus, it is required to have an accurate diagnostic approach through CBCT that could evaluated the location between mandibular canal and root.

Keyword

Third molar; Mandibular canal; Cone beam computed tomograph

MeSH Terms

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
European Continental Ancestry Group
Humans
Molar, Third
Prevalence
Radiography, Panoramic