Localization of Mandibular Canal in Dentulous and Edentulous Regions

Abstract

Objectives: Retrospective determination of the changes in the mandibular canal (MC) course in men and women in the second premolar, first molar and second molar regions of the dentulous and edentulous mandible.
 Methods: In CBCT images of 274 patients aged 18-88 years who were systemically healthy, the distances of the outer cortex of the MC to the mandible superior, lingual, inferior and buccal cortical bone border were measured in the right and left mandible 2nd premolar, 1st molar and 2nd molar regions. In these regions, the differences in MC course between left and right hemimandible, dentulous and edentulous, and males and females were examined by independent t-test and paired t-test (p< .05).
 Results: As a result of the statistical analysis, statistical significance was observed in the linear measurements of the MC to the superior cortical bone border in dentulous and edentulous patients in the relevant regions. In female and male patients, the distance of the MC to the inferior cortical edge of the mandible in the dentulous and edentulous dentition was statistically less in females. The superior distance of the mandible was found to be less in the edentulous regions than in the dentulous regions.
 Conclusions: The course of the MC in the posterior mandible is generally close to the inferior and lingual wall, but it changes direction towards the superior and buccal regions as it approaches the mental foramen. Furthermore, in women, the MC is located closer to the inferior border of the mandible compared to men.