Evaluation of the association between mandibular canal and mandibular third molars on cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT)

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to introduce a new radiological classification that could be normally used in clinical practice to assess the relationship between an impacted third molar and mandibular canal on cone beam CT (CBCT) images. 
 Material and Methods: The relationship between the third molar teeth and the mandibular canal, the distance of the third molar to the inferior alveolar canal, buccal-apical-lingual position of the canal relative to the tooth, and the presence of contact between the canal and the third molar teeth were evaluated according to the classification. According to these criteria, a total of eight classifications and two subtypes , class A and B, were made. CBCT images of 50 patients were independently studied all the possible relationships between third molar and IAN on the cross-sectional images. The SPSS software version 24.0 was used for the statistical analysis. 
 Results: For the lower left third molar teeth (38), it was found to be that the most common class was 1A (48,6%) in gender-free examination. For the third molar teeth (48) in the lower right mandibula, it was found to be that the most common class was 1A (45%) regardless of the gender. 
 Conclusion: The use of this classification could be a valid support in clinical practice to obtain a common language among operators in order to define the possible relationships between an impacted third molar and the mandibular canal on CBCT images.