Bifid mandibular canal assessment and its relevance to local anesthesia
Saša Marin1, Denis Abdihodžić1, Nataša Milinković1
1Department of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Background:
The frequent use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has drawn attention to the anatomical variations of the mandibular canal (MC). This study aimed to analyze the bifid mandibular canal (BMC) types, frequency, and impact of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB).
Methods:
This study included 142 CBCT scans. For the analysis of the BMC types, an established classification method was used. CBCT sagittal and transverse planes were used to analyze the occurrences, dimensions of the BMC types, and differences based on the sex and age of patients.
Results:
The frequency of BMC was 9.2%. There were no statistically significant differences in the occurrence related to sex (P = 0.317), age (P = 1.000), or localization (P = 0.317). The average BMC diameter ranged from 1.2 to 2.5 mm. The largest BMC diameter was in the retromolar region.
Conclusion:
The high incidence of BMC must be considered during IANB. Untimely identification of anatomic variations in the MC can lead to IANB anesthesia failure, as well as intraoperative and postoperative complications.
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