Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026
In situ Compressive Loading and Correlative Noninvasive Imaging of the Bone-periodontal Ligament-tooth Fibrous Joint
Published on: March 7, 2014
Computed Tomography Findings of Mandibular Nutrient Canals
Yusuke Kawashima1, Kotaro Sekiya, Yusuke Sasaki
1*Graduate Student, Department of Radiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Chiba, Japan. †Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Chiba, Japan. ‡Professor, Department of Radiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Chiba, Japan.
Introduction:
The purpose of this study was to assess computed tomography (CT) findings of mandibular nutrient canals using CT images.
Materials And Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed the mandibular CT images of 194 consecutive patients. For image analysis such as canal prevalence, location, number, size, shape, and the CT value of nutrient foramina were determined using CT axial images of 0.5 and 3 mm slice thickness.
Results:
We revealed that the nutrient canals were seen 94.3% in the mandible, mostly seen in the anterior region. By location, nutrient canals were particularly seen between the central and lateral incisors. The mean number of nutrient canals was 2.7. The mean diameter of the nutrient foramen between the central and lateral incisors was 1.0 mm. In about 80% of the cases, foramina between the central and lateral incisors were ovoid. The mean CT value for the nutrient foramina between the central and lateral incisors was 411 HU.
Discussion And Conclusions:
Mandibular nutrient canals were ovoid shape, and the mean CT value was 411 HU. By preoperative knowledge of the position and anatomy of the mandibular nutrient canals, complications such as injury to the nutrient canals can be avoided.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or...
01:10Computed Tomography
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...