Evaluation of bone morphology in posterior mandible: A cone-beam computed tomography based study

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Accurate anatomical knowledge is vital for dental procedures.
• The inferior alveolar nerve canal (IANC) and mandibular cortex are critical anatomical landmarks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the spatial relationship between mandibular posterior tooth root apices and the inferior alveolar nerve canal (IANC) and mandibular buccal cortex.
• To assess these relationships using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 106 CBCT scans from healthy individuals (aged 18-71).
• Measurements of the shortest distance from mandibular posterior tooth apices to the IANC and buccal cortex.
• Statistical analysis to compare distances between genders and correlate with age.

Main Results:

• Females generally had shorter distances than males, with significant differences for the second premolar and second molar roots on the left side to the IANC.
• No significant gender-based differences were observed for the distance from root apices to the buccal cortex.
• Weak correlations were found between age and distances to the IANC and buccal cortex.

Conclusions:

• Surgical procedures planned apical to the second premolar and second molar teeth carry a risk of damaging the inferior alveolar nerve.
• CBCT imaging is essential for precise anatomical assessment prior to mandibular posterior tooth procedures.