Nutrient canals on mandibular anterior region in cone beam computed tomography

Kang, Jung Ho; Kim, Gyu Tae; Choi, Yong Suk; Hwang, Eui Hwan

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate location, distribution, diameter, and length of the nutrient canals on mandibular anterior region using a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Mandibular CBCT was performed on 33 adults (18 males and 15 females) with no history of systemic disease, and any other dental surgery history. Location, distribution, diameter, and length of the nutrient canals on mandibular anterior region were radiographically evaluated. A statistical comparison was done by SPSS.
RESULTS
In the location and distribution of nutrient canals, they were found in 6.8% at labial portion above root apex, in 93.28% at lingual portion above root apex in 46.2% at labial portion below root apex, and in 53.6% at lingual portion below root apex. Nutrient canals at lingual portion above root apex were most frequently observed between central and lateral incisors, and those at labial and lingual portion below root apex were most frequently observed between central incisors. The mean diameters of nutrient canals were 0.54 mm at labial portion above root apex, 0.61 mm at lingual portion above root apex, 0.66 mm at labial portion below root apex, and 0.76 mm at lingual portion below root apex. The mean lengths of nutrient canals were 2.63 mm at labial portion above root apex, 3.74 mm at lingual portion above root apex, 4.51 mm at labial portion below root apex, and 6.77 mm at lingual portion below root apex.
CONCLUSION
CBCT is useful device to evaluate the anatomical structure of nutrient canals on mandibular anterior region.