Anatomical Analysis of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Relation to Mandibular Posterior Teeth Using Cone Beam Computed...

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a valuable tool for assessing dental structures.
• Accurate localization of the inferior alveolar neurovascular (IAN) bundle is critical for various mandibular surgeries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the spatial relationship between the inferior alveolar neurovascular (IAN) bundle and mandibular anatomical landmarks using CBCT.
• To provide precise measurements for surgical planning in the mandible.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of CBCT scans from 170 patients.
• Measurements included bone thickness adjacent to the IAN, superior-inferior dimension between the canal and teeth, and distance to the mandibular inferior border.

Main Results:

• The closest root apices to the IAN were associated with second molars (1.76 ± 1.86 mm).
• The IAN was nearest to the mandibular inferior border near the second molars (8 ± 3.4 mm).
• The greatest buccal bone thickness buccal to the IAN was observed at the second molar region (5.16 ± 1.26 mm).

Conclusions:

• CBCT provides reliable data for IAN bundle assessment in mandibular surgery.
• Specific anatomical relationships identified can guide surgical approaches, such as limiting apicectomy depth and nerve lateralization window thickness.
• Surgical procedures like body osteotomy should prioritize anterior positioning relative to premolars.