Mandibular incisive canal in Han Chinese using cone beam computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Anatomy
• Radiology

Background:

• The mandibular incisive canal (MIC) is a critical anatomical structure in the anterior mandible.
• Accurate knowledge of the MIC's location and dimensions is essential for dental implantology and bone grafting procedures.
• Previous studies have varied in their depiction of the MIC, necessitating ethnicity-specific data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish reference data for the mandibular incisive canal (MIC) in the Han Chinese population.
• To evaluate the efficacy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in visualizing the MIC compared to panoramic radiography.
• To provide guidance for safe dental implant placement and chin bone harvesting.

Main Methods:

• Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were acquired for 50 Han Chinese subjects.
• Panoramic radiography was performed on 22 subjects to assess MIC visibility.
• CBCT data were analyzed to measure the diameter, length, and location of the MIC.

Main Results:

• The mandibular incisive canal (MIC) was visualized in 100% of CBCT scans, with 63.6% showing good clarity.
• Panoramic radiography identified the MIC in only 38.6% of cases, with good clarity in 13.6%.
• The MIC's diameter decreased distally, with average lengths of 17.84mm (left) and 17.73mm (right), situated near the buccal border and inferior mandibular margin.

Conclusions:

• Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a reliable tool for identifying the mandibular incisive canal (MIC).
• Dental implants in the anterior mandible should be angled slightly towards the lingual side to avoid the MIC.
• Chin bone harvesting should not exceed 4mm in depth, with adjustments made to avoid the MIC.