Assessment of mandibular incisive canal using cone-beam computed tomography in Korean population

Abstract

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate the characteristics of mandibular incisive canal (MIC) in Korean population. Materials and methods: A total of 97 subjects (60 males and 37 females) who underwent cone-beam computed tomography were included in the study. The anatomic features of MIC was assessed according to gender. Length, diameter and distance to inferior, lingual and buccal border were measured at the origin and the terminal. Also the distribution of MIC at each tooth position was evaluated. Results: Of 97 patients included, 75(77.3%) presented bilateral MIC and 13(13.4%) presented unilateral MIC. Of 194 hamimandibles, MIC was detected in 102(85%) sites in male and 61(82.4%) sites in female. Gender and side showed no statistically significant differences in detectability. The length, diameter and distance to adjacent structures were bigger in male than in female except the distance to lingual border. MIC travelled anteriorly in a slightly downward and lingual direction and usually terminated between the first premolar and the canine. On cross-sectional view, MIC showed individually scattered distribution both buccolingually and superoinferiorly. Conclusion: MIC is well detected with cone-beam computed tomography. Considered that the length and the location of MIC has large variations between individuals, its localization using cone-beam CT is highly recommended before performing surgical procedures such as implant placement and bone harvesting.