Prevalence of Bifid Mandibular Canals in Turkish Eastern Anatolia Population: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: Mandibular canal is between mandibular foramen and mental foramen and it includes inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle. For surgical procedures on mandible such as impacted tooth extraction, dental implant surgery, and sagittal split ramus osteotomy, assesing variations and anatomic location of the mandibular canal is very important. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess bifid mandibular canals by analysing Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images in Turkish population of eastern Anatolia region. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in which prevalance of bifid mandibular canal was assessed in 4 groups; group with third molar {group A: impacted (A1) and erupted (A2)} and without third molar {group B: only third molars missing (B1) and posterior edentulous area (B2)} with types and sub-types. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test were used for statistical analyses. Results: Of the 501 CBCT images assessed, bifid mandibular canal was found in 210 (41.9%). No significant difference was found between genders (p>0.05). The frequency of bifid mandibular canal was found as 47.3% in group A (45.8% in group A1 and 48.9% in group A2), and as 35.1% in group B (41.7% in group B1 and 31.2% in group B2). In patients who had third molars, bifid mandibular canal was seen more when compared with those who did not (p<0.05) had. Among bifid mandibular canals, retromolar canals were seen the most. Conclusion: The prevalence of bifid mandibular canal analysed by CBCT was found to be 41.9%. No difference was found between genders in terms of prevalence. CBCT is significantly useful tool before the surgical procedures especially removing third molars.

Keywords

• cone beam computed tomography
• retromolar canal
• third molar