Identification of the Inferior Alveolar Canal using Cone-beam Computed Tomography versus Conventional Panoramic...

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
• Anatomy

Background:

• The inferior alveolar canal (IAC) contains vital neurovascular structures in the mandible.
• Protecting the IAC during dental procedures is essential to prevent complications.
• Accurate assessment of IAC location and visibility is critical for surgical safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the visibility and anatomical positioning of the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) using conventional panoramic radiography (CPR) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
• To evaluate the effectiveness of CBCT versus CPR in different mandibular regions for pre-surgical planning.

Main Methods:

• A study included 93 dentulous patients aged over 18 who underwent both CPR and CBCT.
• IAC visibility was assessed in five mandibular regions using a standardized scoring system.
• Linear measurements determined anatomical positioning; data analyzed with Chi-square and regression tests.

Main Results:

• CBCT showed significantly superior IAC visibility across all mandibular regions compared to CPR (P < 0.001).
• The study highlighted the clinical importance of CBCT for precise pre-surgical planning, particularly in the posterior mandible.

Conclusions:

• CBCT provides superior visualization of the inferior alveolar canal compared to conventional panoramic radiography.
• CBCT is more effective for detailed dental examinations and pre-surgical planning due to enhanced visibility, especially in posterior mandibular regions.
• The anatomical location of the IAC varies, being buccal in premolars and lingual in molars.