Comparison Of Two Different Imaging Techniques In The Determination Of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Position Before Posterior Mandibular Dentoalveolar Surgery Treatments

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to compare the reliability of two commonly used radiological techniques (Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) and Orthopantomograme (OPT)) to prevent the occurrence of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injuries during routine dentoalveolar surgery. METHODS: Among the patients admitted to our clinic, 50 random patients that have both OPG and CBCT images during their treatment were selected. The distance between the apexes of second lower premolar teeth, the mesial and distal apexes of the first lower molar teeth, the mesial and distal apexes of the second molar teeth and the inferior alveolar nerve and the distance of the third molar teeth from the mandibular canal were measured using the CBCT images eXamVisionQ program of the selected patients. Then the same measurements were repeated with an electronic caliper capable of measuring with 0.1 mm precision over these patients' OPG images. Paired Samples test was used in evaluating distance measurements taken from CBCT and OPG images and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient was used in evaluating their compliance. RESULTS: For all the teeth, distance measurements made according to CBCT and OPG images showed a statistically significant difference. The distance measurements on the OPG images were found higher than the measurements made on the CBCT images. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In the light of this study, it can be said that the CBCT image, according to the OPG image, will reduce the risk of IAN injuries during routine dentoalveolar surgery and allow the operation to be performed within more secure boundaries.

Keywords

• cbct
• opg
• dentoalveolar surgery
• ian