1- Craniomaxillofacial Research Center 2- Dental School, Babol University of Medical Sciences 3- Dental School, Babol University of Medical Sciences , s.majidi.dvm@gmail.com
Abstract: (224 Views)
Background and Aim: Dentists should be aware of the position and anatomical path of the inferior alveolar canal (IAC). The aim of this study was to investigate the position and anatomical path of the IAC on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of an Iranian population. Materials and Methods:This retrospective study was conducted on 150 CBCT. The distance of the IAC from the buccal and lingual cortex in the alignment of teeth 4 to 7 and the emerging pattern of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) from the mental foramen were assessed. The role of age, gender, and side of the jaw on investigated parameters were evaluated by Pearson correlation, independent and paired samples t test, and chi-square tests of SPSS version 22 software. Results:The most frequent emerging pattern of the IAN was "sharp turn with 90° angle" (44.7%). The average distance of the IAC from the buccal cortex of the mandible, unlike the lingual cortex, was increased in the alignment of teeth 4 to 7 in both genders (P<0.001). The distance of the IAC from the buccal cortex of the mandible in the alignment of teeth 4 to 7 and the lingual cortex in the alignment of tooth 4 and distal of tooth 6 was greater in men than in women (P<0.05). Furthermore, there was no statistically significant between the two sides of the jaw (P>0.05). Conclusion: Although the distance of the IAC from the mandibular cortex was not related to age, it was greater in men than women. Considering the variations in the IAC path and the IAN emerging patterns, CBCT prescription is suggested in doubtful cases.