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Oral Radiology
Published in: Oral Radiology 4/2020

01-10-2020 | Digital Volume Tomography | Original Article

Observation of retromolar canals on cone beam computed tomography

Authors: Yunwen Hou, Guanying Feng, Wen Lin, Ruixia Wang, Hua Yuan

Published in: Oral Radiology | Issue 4/2020

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Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the incidence and location of retromolar canal (RMC) in an eastern Chinese population using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

Methods

Six hundred and fifty-seven patients (276 males and 381 females, 19–49 years old) from east China were enrolled. Both right and left sides of the mandible were examined (n = 1314). Two-dimensional (2D) images of various planes in the mandibular ramus region and reconstructed three-dimensional (3D) images were reviewed. The course of the RMC and the location of the retromolar foramina (RMF) were observed.

Results

Retromolar canal (RMC) was observed in 25.9% (170/657) of patients and 15.7% of sides (206/1314). 20.4% patients had unilateral RMC (134/657) and 5.5% had bilaterally RMC (36/657). Most RMC are horizontally curved course (Type B, 45.6%), followed by vertically curved course (Type A, 44.2%). Type C RMC, which run independently from separate foramina in the mandibular ramus, were relatively rare (10.2%). The distance from the middle of the RMF to the distal end of the second molar ranged from 4.56 to 24.01 mm and the mean distance was 11.97 mm.

Conclusion

RMC is not a rare anatomical structure in the eastern Chinese population. CBCT should be applied as a diagnostic tool to provide detailed information involving the retromolar area.
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Metadata
Title
Observation of retromolar canals on cone beam computed tomography
Authors
Yunwen Hou
Guanying Feng
Wen Lin
Ruixia Wang
Hua Yuan
Publication date
01-10-2020
Publisher
Springer Singapore
Published in
Oral Radiology / Issue 4/2020
Print ISSN: 0911-6028
Electronic ISSN: 1613-9674
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11282-019-00414-0

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