Mandibular Incisive Canal: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to assess the presence, width, and initial part of the mandibular incisive canal (MIC) and its relation with the mental foramen (MF), by means of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).The study material included 140 CBCT scans taken for preoperative planning of implant placement. CBCT data were examined carefully by three experienced observers for the presence and location of the initial part of the MIC and its relation with the MF. The inner diameter of the MIC at the beginning of the canal was measured three times by one observer.The interobserver agreement in identification of the MIC was excellent (mean kappa value of 0.84). A MIC was found in 92.9 % of cases. The mean inner vertical diameter of the canal was 1.44 mm ± 0.39 mm. The diameter of the canal reached 2.5 mm at maximum. The canals in males and these on the right side of the mandibles were significantly wider. The majority of the MICs—86.3 % (n = 195), began before the MF (type 1); the rest of them—13.7 % (n = 31), began extremely close to the foramen (type 2). The MIC is an almost permanent finding on CBCT scans. In cases when the MIC begins at the level of the mental foramen (type 2) the lingual positioning of the implants could save the neurovascular bundle in the canal. All this will lead to better conditions for osteointegration and prevent eventual neurosensory disturbances.