Evaluation of Visibility of Mandibular Incisive Canal by Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: An Observational Study

Abstract

Context: Performing surgery on the anterior mandible could harm the mandibular incisive canal (MIC). To prevent it, preoperative radiographic assessment is essential. Aims: Aim of our study was to examine the visibility and presence of the MIC along with measurement of the length of MIC by utilizing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Settings and Design: Images from 50 subjects, ranging in age from 20 to 60 years, who had their mandibles examined by CBCT were taken from the archive. Methods and Material: Reconstructed images included cross-sectional and panoramic views. The canal’s visibility was obtained from the mesial to the mental foramen and finally to the incisal extension. The shortest distance between the mesial and distal portions of the canal was determined to be the length of the MIC. Statistical Analysis Used: To analyze independent samples, t-tests were employed. Results: In 40 cases (80%), the visibility of MIC was seen as bilateral, and in 10 cases (20%), as unilateral. The visible length among the population ranged from a minimum of 0.00 to a maximum of 25.25 mm, with an average of 15.37 ± 5.59. Conclusions: Future research could utilize the differences in prevalence with respect to gender and visibility as a point of reference.

Keywords

• canal
• cone-beam computed tomography
• interforaminal region
• length
• visibility