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Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy

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Open Access 01-06-2018 | Anatomic Bases of Medical, Radiological and Surgical Techniques

Anatomic study of the position of the mandibular canal and corresponding mandibular third molar on cone-beam computed tomography images

Authors: Liqun Gu, Chao Zhu, Kejia Chen, Xianchu Liu, Zhangui Tang

Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy | Issue 6/2018

Abstract

Purpose

The positional relationship between the mandibular canal and corresponding third molars is a key anatomic factor of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury. The aim of the present study is to classify the anatomic three-dimensional relationship between the mandibular third molar and the mandibular canal on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

Methods

This study used CBCT images to classify the positional relationship between the mandibular canal and corresponding third molars. CBCT images of 749 patients (1296 mandibular third molars) were analyzed to draw up a classification.

Results

On a total of 1296 third molars, the mandibular canal relative to the roots of the mandibular third molar was on the apical side (88.1%), followed by the buccal side (7.9%), the lingual side (3.5%), and then between the roots (0.5%). Ninety-five (7.1%) third molars had a close relation with the mandibular canal, while 1201 (92.7%) third molars had no direct contact. The percentage of the mandibular canal contacts with the mandibular third molar was higher when the mandibular canal was lingually positioned.

Conclusions

The anatomic structures of the mandibular third molar and the mandibular canal may be helpful to make adequate surgical planning to avoid or reduce nerve involvement.

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Title: Anatomic study of the position of the mandibular canal and corresponding mandibular third molar on cone-beam computed tomography images
Authors: Liqun Gu
Chao Zhu
Kejia Chen
Xianchu Liu
Zhangui Tang
Publication date: 01-06-2018
Publisher: Springer Paris
Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy / Issue 6/2018
Print ISSN: 0930-1038
Electronic ISSN: 1279-8517
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-017-1928-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Anatomic study of the position of the mandibular canal and corresponding mandibular third molar on cone-beam computed tomography images

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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