Assessment of the Proximity of the Inferior Alveolar Canal with the Mandibular Root Apices and Cortical Plates—A Retrospective Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Analysis

Abstract

Various endodontic interventions often lead to iatrogenic damage to the inferior alveolar nerve present in the inferior alveolar canal (IAC). The purpose of the present study was to analyze the relationships of IAC with the root apices of mandibular teeth and with the mandibular cortical plates. Materials: 116 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were examined and the shortest distance of IAC with the root apices of mandibular canines, premolars and molars, and with cortical plates was analyzed. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS. Results: The shortest mean distance between IAC and lingual cortical plate (LCP) was found in the third molar area, and between IAC and buccal cortical plate (BCP) in the second premolar area. A high incidence of 60% direct communication (DC) was present in mandibular second molars; 38% in mandibular third molars; 13% in mandibular second premolars; 12% in mandibular first molars; and 1% in mandibular first premolars. Conclusion: Anteriorly, IAC was found to be significantly present in close approximation to the roots of mandibular canines. Posteriorly, IAC was found to be in significant proximity to the distal roots of mandibular second molars.

Cone beam computed tomography-based evaluation of the relationship between the inferior alveolar canal and the cortical plates and the mandibular molar roots in the Saudi subpopulation

“…Additionally, they discovered that just 3.3% of first teeth made direct contact with the IANC, compared to 16% of second molars. Similar findings have also been made by Burklein et al 12 Age Sweeta et al, 13 and Kawashima et al, 16 have demonstrated that age affects the proximity of the IAC to the roots of the mandibular teeth, and according to them, younger patients have shorter distances between the teeth and the IANC. Aljarbou et al, 15 in their study also observed a tendency for the distance to increase with age.…”

“…Aksoy et al, 11 showed that the second molar and IANC are substantially closer together than the premolars and first molars. According to Burklein et al, 12 and Swati et al, 13 overall, the shortest mean distance of IANC from BCP was greater than the shortest mean distance of IANC from LCP, except in the region of the canines. 12,13 This indicated that the IANC was more lingually placed.…”

“…According to Burklein et al, 12 and Swati et al, 13 overall, the shortest mean distance of IANC from BCP was greater than the shortest mean distance of IANC from LCP, except in the region of the canines. 12,13 This indicated that the IANC was more lingually placed. Our results are in accordance with Swati et al, 13 and Balaji et al, 14 who also found a lingual course of IANC on the buccal side.…”

“…12,13 This indicated that the IANC was more lingually placed. Our results are in accordance with Swati et al, 13 and Balaji et al, 14 who also found a lingual course of IANC on the buccal side. In the current investigation, it has been discovered that as one moves anteriorly from the mesial root of the first molar to the distal root of the second molar, the distance between the root apices and the IANC reduces.…”

“…As in previous studies, it has been noted that, as compared to males, females tended to demonstrate shorter distances from the IANC when compared to males. According to Swati et al, 13 the vertical growth of the mandible is a continuous process of bone remodelling.…”