Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of the pre-surgical assessment of the mandible using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. For surgical procedures in the mandible, it is important to determine the position of the mandibular canal in order to avoid damage to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). The best method to investigate this nerve is with the help of panoramic reconstructed images combined with cross-sectional reconstructed images. To protect the IAN during treatment, this research indicates that a minimal safety zone of 1.13 mm is advisable. When distances were being measured, a larger exaggeration of reality was observed with small distances. It appears that (semi)automatic tracing methods of the mandibular canal still cannot be used in clinical practice. When a CBCT scan reveals a lingual position of the mandibular canal in combination with a narrowing of the mandibular canal at the contact point with the root of a third molar the risk of damaging the IAN increases. CBCT imaging should only be applied in specific cases.
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