Anatomical Analysis of Mandibular Posterior Teeth using CBCT: An Endo-Surgical Perspective

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Understanding the anatomical relationships of mandibular posterior teeth is critical for successful surgical interventions.
• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers detailed 3D imaging of dental and skeletal structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the relationship between mandibular posterior teeth and surrounding anatomical structures.
• To provide quantitative data on root and bone dimensions and their spatial relationship with the mandibular canal and mental foramen.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 170 CBCT images.
• Measurements included buccolingual (BL) and mesiodistal (MD) root thickness, overlying buccal and lingual bone thickness at 3 mm from the apex.
• Assessed proximity of the mandibular canal (MC) to tooth apices and horizontal location of the mental foramen (MF).

Main Results:

• Root width was greatest at first molars and narrowest at second premolars.
• Buccal bone was thickest over second molars; lingual bone was thickest over first molars.
• The mandibular canal was closest to the distal roots of second molars.
• The mental foramen was most commonly located between the first and second premolars.
• Lingual bone over first molars was thinner in females.

Conclusions:

• Tooth position influences buccal bone thickness, lingual bone thickness, and proximity to the mandibular canal.
• CBCT imaging is valuable for visualizing these anatomical relationships without distortion.