Bifid mandibular canals: cone beam computed tomography evaluation.

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Familiarity with the bifid mandibular canal is crucial for surgical procedures in the posterior mandible.
• Previous systematic studies evaluating the bifid mandibular canal using sectional imaging are limited.
• The anatomical variations of the inferior dental (mandibular) canal require detailed investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the incidence and configuration of the bifid mandibular canal using cone beam CT.
• To assess the prevalence of bifid mandibular canals in a patient cohort.
• To classify the types and diameters of bifid mandibular canals.

Main Methods:

• Cone beam CT scans of 252 patients (301 mandible sides) were analyzed.
• The presence and configuration of the bifid mandibular canal were assessed.
• Bifurcation patterns were classified using Nortjé et al.'s system, and accessory canal diameters were categorized.

Main Results:

• A bifid mandibular canal was identified in 47 out of 301 subjects (15.6%).
• The most common type observed was Type II (40 cases), followed by Type IV (5 cases) and Type I (2 cases).
• The accessory canal diameter was >= 50% of the main canal in 23 cases and < 50% in 24 cases.

Conclusions:

• Cone beam CT identified a bifid mandibular canal in 15.6% of cases, a higher incidence than previously reported with panoramic imaging.
• Cone beam CT is a suitable imaging modality for the detailed evaluation of bifid mandibular canals.
• Understanding the incidence and variations of the bifid mandibular canal is essential for safe surgical practices.