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Lingual nerve visualization with dental-dedicated MRI: feasibility and observer reproducibility
Rubens Spin-Neto1, Louise Hauge Matzen1, Jennifer Christensen1
1Section for Oral Radiology and Endodontics, Department of Dentistry and Oral Health, Aarhus University, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark.
Dento Maxillo Facial Radiology
|May 15, 2026
Summary
Dental-dedicated magnetic resonance imaging (ddMRI) shows feasibility for visualizing the lingual nerve, primarily in the axial plane. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm reproducibility and clinical utility.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- The lingual nerve is crucial for sensation in the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.
- Accurate visualization of the lingual nerve is important for surgical procedures in the mandibular region.
- Current imaging modalities may have limitations in depicting the lingual nerve with high detail.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of using dental-dedicated magnetic resonance imaging (ddMRI) for lingual nerve visualization.
- To evaluate the reproducibility of lingual nerve identification by multiple observers using ddMRI.
- To determine the optimal imaging plane for lingual nerve visualization with ddMRI.
Main Methods:
- Twenty healthy volunteers underwent ddMRI of the mandibular third molar region.
- 2D proton-density-weighted image slabs with and without fat suppression were acquired.
- Three independent observers assessed image quality and lingual nerve visibility, with statistical analysis of inter-observer agreement.
Main Results:
- ddMRI provided image quality ranging from acceptable to optimal, averaging 'good'.
- The lingual nerve was visualized in 85-95% of cases, predominantly in the axial plane.
- Substantial inter-observer reproducibility was noted, with kappa values averaging 0.62.
Conclusions:
- ddMRI is a feasible technique for visualizing the lingual nerve, particularly in the axial plane.
- Further research in larger clinical trials is necessary to address the observed range in inter-observer reproducibility.
- Clinical validation of ddMRI for lingual nerve visualization requires further investigation.
