THE ROLE OF CONE-BEAM COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY OF MANDIBULAR CANAL IN RELATION WITH DENTAL IMPLANTOLOGY

Abstract

The portion of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) existent anterior to the mental foramen, before parting the canal, is referred to as the anterior loop (AL) of the IAN. The presence of AL is important when placing the implant interforaminal area of the mandible. These anatomical discrepancies can be assessed by cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT), for evaluating its position and exact location. Mandibular neurovascular canal contents may be vulnerable to damage during mandibular surgical procedure. Greater knowledge of the location and configuration of the mandibular canal can help in the safe performance of these procedure in the dental clinic. Cross-sectional CBCT imaging is a good modality for studying the course, location, configuration and accessory branches of the mandibular canal. Advanced cross-sectional imaging modalities especiallly CBCT is a suitable tool for observing anatomic characteristics of mandibular canal to preserve this vital structure in surgical procedure.

Keywords

• cbct
• dental implants
• mandibular canal