Evaluation of Retromolar Canal in Pediatric Patients on Panoramic Radiography

The retromolar canal (RMC) is an accessory anatomical structure that extends from the mandibular foramen or independently toward the region of the last molar. While cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides high-resolution imaging for identifying this canal, panoramic radiography (PRG) remains a valuable, practical, and more accessible tool-particularly for pediatric patients in routine dental practice.

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of RMC in a pediatric population and analyze its distribution according to sex.

Panoramic radiographs of 761 pediatric patients aged 2-15 years, who presented to the Department of Pedodontics at Giresun University Faculty of Dentistry, were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data-including sex, age, dental development stage, reason for admission, and side of variation-were recorded. The presence and trajectory of the RMC were identified and classified based on panoramic images.

RMC was identified in 36 out of 761 patients (24 males, 12 females), observed on 46 sides (30 right, 16 left). It was unilateral in 26 cases and bilateral in 10. Three trajectory patterns were noted: ascending (5 patients), inferior oblique (6 patients), and descending (35 patients).

RMC appears more frequently in males and predominantly on the right side. Ascending and horizontal trajectories are relatively rare in the pediatric population. Although PRG is a practical and accessible diagnostic method for identifying RMC in children, further studies using advanced imaging techniques such as CBCT are recommended to better establish its prevalence and clinical implications in pediatric dentistry.