Comparisons of the Computed Tomographic Scan and Panoramic Radiography Before Mandibular Third Molar Extraction Surgery.

Abstract

BackgroundMandibular third molar extraction surgery has a postoperative complication of hypoesthesia of the lower lip and/or chin. The objective of the study was to determine if preoperative radiographic examination by panoramic radiography and computed tomography (CT) scan can predict postoperative complications of mandibular third molar extraction surgery.Material/MethodsIn total, 479 patients who had mandibular third molar extraction surgery were included in this cross-sectional study. Patients had panoramic radiographies and CT scans to determine the relationship of the tooth, the canal, and the buccolingual position. Inferior alveolar nerve sensory impairment was detected using a two-point discrimination method. Wilcoxon test and Tukey’s test were used to compare diagnostic modalities at a 99% confidence level.ResultsInferior alveolar nerve was more successfully quantified by CT scan compared to panoramic radiography (p<0.0001, q=8.062). Orthopantomography was better than the CT scan in detecting a close relationship of the tooth and the canal (p<0.0001, q=25.609), but the CT scan was better in detecting the buccolingual position of the teeth (p<0.0001, q=36.757). The age of patients (p<0.0001, q=36.757), postoperative bleeding (p<0.0001, q=15.981), and experience of the surgeon (p<0.0001, q=10.99) had an affected on inferior alveolar nerve sensory impairment.ConclusionsPreoperative panoramic radiography, CT scan, age, the experience of the surgeon, and postoperative bleeding can predict postoperative complications for extraction of a mandibular third molar.