Preoperative cone beam computed tomography evaluation of mandibular second and third molars in relation to the inferior alveolar canal

Abstract

Objective: The aim is to evaluate the location and proximity of second and third molars roots to the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) and demographic factors associated with these proximities. Materials and Methods: Cone beam computed tomography scans were evaluated for 292 roots of 146 teeth from 40 patients. A radiologist read, measured, and evaluated the vertical and horizontal positions of the roots of the second and third molars in relation to the IAC. Results: No significant differences were found between the third molar roots and neighboring second molar roots in the closeness to the IAC. The most common horizontal relation was “roots above IAC” (54%) followed by “roots lingual to IAC” (41.78%), “roots buccal to IAC” (3.42%), and “IAC between the roots” (0.68%). No significant differences in second and third molar roots and their contrasting teeth in the proximity to IAC. The older age group had significantly higher vertical measurements between third molar roots and IAC. There were significantly larger vertical measurements in the right third molar roots to IAC in males than females. Conclusions: These anatomical relationships are important clinical knowledge to avoid potential surgical injury to the inferior alveolar nerve.