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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

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Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
Bifid mandibular canal in Japanese
Munetaka Naitoh1, Yuichiro Hiraiwa, Hidetoshi Aimiya
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Aichi-Gakuin University, and Dental Hospital, Aichi-Gakuin University, Nagoya, Japan. mune@dpc.aichi-gakuin.ac.jp
Implant Dentistry
|March 16, 2007
Summary
Bifid mandibular canals, variations in the jawbone
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Mandibular canal variations are crucial for dental surgeries like third molar extraction and dental implants.
- Accurate anatomical knowledge aids in preventing surgical complications.
Observation:
- Three Japanese patients with bifid mandibular canals were analyzed.
- Panoramic radiography suggested bifid canals in 2 of 5 cases.
- Multi-slice helical computed tomography (CT) provided detailed canal morphology.
Findings:
- Bifid mandibular canals presented as short, narrow upper canals in 4 instances.
- One case showed a short, narrow lower canal.
- CT imaging revealed specific configurations toward the distal area of the second molar.
Implications:
- Careful observation of mandibular canal variations using CT is essential.
- Enhanced understanding of these anatomical variations improves surgical safety.
- This knowledge is vital for procedures like sagittal split ramus osteotomy.
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