Evaluation of Anatomical Position of Mandibular Foramen and Variations in Inferior Alveolar Nerve Canal Using Cone-beam Computed Technology: A Retrospective Study
Sanjyot A. Mulay, Vaibhavi Prakash Raut, Priti DargadContext:
Anatomic variation in inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) canal has been documented in literature. Furthermore, failures in achieving anesthesia are a challenge in certain nonsurgical and surgical cases in various disciplines of dentistry including endodontics. Cone-beam computed technology (CBCT) using various landmarks and objective parameters could be a good tool to precisely locate IAN canal to avoid failures in achieving local anesthesia.
Aim:
To assess the anatomical location of mandibular foramen (MF) and the variations in the course of inferior alveolar canal using CBCT.
Settings and Design:
A radiological retrospective study analyzing CBCT scans collected from the oral radiology database of a dental institute.
Subjects and Methods:
CBCT scans of patients from 21 to 50 years with presence of mandibular premolars and molars were identified from the database. The CBCT scans were evaluated for anatomical relations of IAN. The distance between the anterior border of the ramus to center of MF, the angle formed with contralateral premolar contact of MF, and the distance from mandibular second molar occlusal surface to center of MF were measured.
Statistical Analysis:
Descriptive and inferential statistics were computed using the Analysis ToolPak by Microsoft Excel.
Results:
Mean distance between anterior border of ramus to the center of MF was 1.22 mm on left and 1.23 mm on right. The mean angle with contralateral premolar contact to MF was 40.86° (left) and 40.78° (right). The distance from occlusal surface of mandibular second molar to center of MF was found to be 09.70 mm on both right and left sides.
Conclusions:
The anatomic landmarks, angles, distances will aid the clinicians to locate IAN, and Foramina to administer local anesthetic agent for achieving effective anesthesia, especially in difficult cases like hot teeth in endodontics.