Cone Beam CT Study of Temporal Crest Canal

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Anatomy
• Radiology

Background:

• Accurate identification of the mandibular canal and its anatomical variants is critical for surgical procedures.
• The temporal crest canal (TCC) is a rare variant of the mandibular canal, and a lack of awareness can complicate surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anatomical characteristics and prevalence of the temporal crest canal (TCC).
• To utilize cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for TCC analysis.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated 327 CBCT scans (654 sides).
• TCCs were identified on sagittal and axial planes and classified into two types.
• Prevalence was calculated across genders.

Main Results:

• Six TCCs (0.91%) were identified in 654 sides.
• All observed TCCs occurred in females: one bilateral (0.30%) and four unilateral (1.22%).
• Five TCCs were classified as Type I and one as Type II based on Kawai et al.

Conclusions:

• Three-dimensional CBCT imaging is effective for confirming the presence of TCC.
• TCC is a clinically significant anatomical variation that requires careful investigation.
• Awareness of TCC is essential for safe surgical interventions.