Association between Facial Type and Mandibular Canal Morphology - Analysis in Digital Panoramic Radiographs

In this study we investigate the association between facial type and mandibular canal course morphology analysing this in digital panoramic radiographs images. We used 603 digital images from panoramic radiographs. We selected only panoramic radiographs of fully dentate individuals, who had all lower molars bilaterally and with complete root formation. The sample distribution was determined by facial type and sex. The course of the mandibular canal, as seen in the panoramic radiographs, was classified into 3 types, bilaterally. The classification used was: type 1 if the mandibular canal is in contact or is positioned at most 2 mm from the root apex of the three permanent molars; type 2 if the mandibular canal is located halfway between the root apex of the three permanent molars and a half away from the mandibular basis; and type 3 if the mandibular canal is in contact with or approaches, a maximum of 2 mm from the cortical bone of the mandibular basis. For results, the data were analyzed by Chi-square test (p<0.05). Data analysis (Chi-square) showed there were more canals type 2 (p=0.0012) and fewer canals type 1 (p=0.0336) in females than in males, without association with the facial types. In conclusion, the facial type does not associated with the mandibular canal course analyzed.