Mandibular Canal Branching Assessed With Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Radiology
• Anatomy

Background:

• The mandibular canal contains the inferior alveolar nerve, crucial for dental anesthesia and surgical procedures.
• Anatomical variations in the mandibular canal, such as branching, can complicate dental interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and types of mandibular canal branching (MCB) in an Iranian population.
• To assess the relationship between MCB and patient demographics.

Main Methods:

• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 300 Iranian patients were analyzed.
• Mandibular canal branching was classified using Naitoh's criteria.
• Prevalence, types, and demographic data were recorded.

Main Results:

• Mandibular canal branching was present in 43.7% of CBCT scans, with no significant side or sex differences.
• The most common MCB type was dental, followed by retromolar, forward, and buccolingual.
• Retromolar canals were more frequent in females (P=0.013).
• 46% of patients with MCB had multiple accessory canals, and 29% had multiple types.

Conclusions:

• Mandibular canal branching is a frequent anatomical variation in the Iranian population.
• Dentists should consider MCB during procedures to avoid postsurgical complications.
• Preoperative assessment should account for potential multiple numbers and types of MCB.