Characteristics of Mandibular Canal Branches Related to Nociceptive Marker

Abstract

It is difficult to correlate the direction of mandibular canal branches (MCBs) with altered sensation in dental treatments. In contrast, calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP) is related to vasodilation, bone formation, and the interaction with the peripheral nervous system. Therefore, we investigated the detailed morphological characteristics of MCBs using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and observation of the CGRP distribution around the MCB. The MCB measurements were evaluated using principal component analysis (PCA) to identify morphological correlations. A total of 168 sides of mandibles from 84 cadavers were analyzed in this study. Most of the MCBs were primarily in the direction of the clock model from X to XI in sagittal sections and XII to I in coronal sections of the mandible. The structure of the MCB was divided into the fine canal branch (60.4%, 223/369), partial branch (24.4%, 90/369), and no canal branch (15.2%, 56/369). PCA indicated that the measurement element with the MCB and its structures were correlated in contrast to tooth factors. Positive CGRP reactions were clearly observed in the no-canal branch group compared to other groups. These data provide useful suggestions for MCB dynamics and information for clinical dental treatment.

Microvessel network, CGRP and NPY distribution, and CBCT image assessments of the mandibular canal between dentulous and edentulous cadavers using principal component analysis

“…Moreover, importantly, this risk is higher in dentulous subjects. Previous reports suggested the presence of many lateral branches in the molars of the mandible [11], and high vascular density is noted from the third to rst molar of the mandible. These results suggest the risk of clinical complications at these molars.…”

“…However, these previous ndings about the inferior alveolar nerve, artery and vein were mainly obtained through intramandibular measurements. Recently, we clari ed the existence of a lateral branch of the inferior alveolar nerve, artery and vein that emerges from this MC and reported that it exhibits speci c directionality [11].…”

The interaction between the nervous system and the stomatognathic system: from development to diseases

“…The number of these mandibular canal branches is largely determined by the number of teeth and occlusion elements in the human mandible. 106 Since the presence of teeth helps to maintain the alveolar bone matrix, 107 when teeth are lost, nerve branches may disappear due to the absorption of alveolar bone. 106 , 108 …”

“… 106 Since the presence of teeth helps to maintain the alveolar bone matrix, 107 when teeth are lost, nerve branches may disappear due to the absorption of alveolar bone. 106 , 108 …”