Bifid Mandibular Canals Research Articles

Ectopic Dental Canal: A Case Report Highlighting a Unique Bifid Mandibular Canal Variant

Bifid mandibular canals are common anatomical findings with variations based on direction and location of branching, which carry significant clinical implications for endodontic and surgical dental procedures. This case study describes a previously unreported ectopic dental canal that branches off the superior border of the mandibular canal, enters the apex of a mandibular second molar, traverses through the root, anastomoses with the root canal system, and subsequently exits through the lingual aspect of the root. The anastomosis of this ectopic dental canal with the mesial lingual canal led to significant bleeding during rotary instrumentation. This unique anatomical variation demonstrates the importance of a thorough cone-beam computed tomography analysis to identify critical structures prior to undertaking dental procedures involving the root apices of mandibular posterior teeth and adjacent areas.

Prevalence and topography of bifid and trifid mandibular canal in Turkish Western Anatolia Population: evaluation of the inferior alveolar canal with CBCT.

Various anatomical variations of the inferior alveolar canal increase the incidence of surgical complications; Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the frequency and configuration of bifid and trifid mandibular canals using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the Turkish subpopulation. The inferior alveolar canal was evaluated on 1014 hemi-mandibles in the CBCT (I-CAT 3D Imaging System) images of 513 patients. The frequency and configuration of the bifid and trifid mandibular canal (MC) were examined. The relationship between bifid MC configuration and dental status and age groups was analyzed. The distance of the accessory canal to the buccal and lingual walls and the alveolar crest was measured. The diameter of the main canal and accessory canal was measured and its relationship with dental status and age groups was evaluated. Bifid MC was found in 266 hemi-mandibles (24.7%) and 212 (41.3%) of 513 patients. The most common type of bifid MC was the retromolar canal (87 sides), followed by the forward canal without confluence (41; 4%) and the dental canal (34; 3.4%). 10 of the dental canals were opening to the 1st molar, 14 of the 2nd molars, and 10 of the 3rd molars. The number of retromolar foramina was 1 on 56 sides, 2 on 15 sides, and 3 on 4 sides. Forward canal without confluence was more common in edentulous patients than in dentulous patients, while the dental canal was more common in dentulous patients. The main canal diameter was 3.53 ± 0.97mm and the bifid MC diameter was 1.82 ± 0.70mm. Distance of the bifid MC to the lingual wall was higher in the > 64years group than in the 18-39years group (p = 0.022). Distance of the bifid MC to the alveolar crest was lower in the > 64years group compared to the 18-39years group and 40-64years group (p = 0.015). The main canal diameter was higher in the 40-64years group than in the 18-39years group (p = 0.012). Bifid MC has a high prevalence, occurring in almost one in two patients. Dental and retromolar types, which are close to the teeth, are more common, and this increases the possibility of complications. CBCT is the most accurate imaging technique used to detect and define these variations.

Assessment of bifid mandibular canals using cone beam computed tomography in general population: a retrospective evaluation.

To evaluate the prevalence of bifid mandibular canals (BMC) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the Saudi population subset. In the study, three hundred and forty-three CBCT scans (661 sides) were evaluated for the presence of BMC, involving 162 males and 181 females. Tomographic acquisitions were performed on the device Planmeca®. The image analysis was performed on the Planmeca Romexis® software, aided by image filters associated with transverse, oblique, and panoramic reconstruction cuts for analysis of the BMC. Naitoh's classification (2009) was employed to classify mandibular canals. The prevalence of BMC was determined according to location, gender, and age of participants. The data were analyzed with Chi-square and one-way ANOVA tests at a significance level of 95%. The BMC was observed in 37 (12.34%) out of 343 participants, of whom 20 (54.05%) were males and 17 (45.94%) were females. There was no significant difference in the proportion of bifid canals in both genders and various age groups. The most common BMC was the retromolar canal type, with 56.75% occurrence. The dental canal type was observed in 18.91% of BMC participants. The presence of a forward canal without confluence was observed in 16.21% of participants in the BMC, whereas a forward canal with confluence was noted in 8.10% of participants. The prevalence of bifid mandibular canals (BMC) within a subset of the Saudi population was 12.3%. The retromolar canal was identified as the most frequently occurring type, accounting for 56.7% of cases. No significant variations in BMC prevalence were observed concerning age and gender. Consequently, it is strongly advised to conduct a thorough assessment of the mandibular canal and its potential variations using CBCT imaging before undertaking mandibular surgical procedures, in order to minimize the risk of complications.

ASSESSMENT OF LOCATION AND COURSE OF INFERIOR ALVEOLAR CANAL USING CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

Background and Rationale:Forensic radiology is an evolving integral branch of forensic medicine. The most challenging tasks for forensic dentists and anthropologists has been identification and determination of sex of unknown human skeletal remains. Morphological and morphometric analysis of course and relationship with adjacent structures of mandibular canal can be useful in determining gender. CBCT being very useful in forensic contexts offering several advantages for postmortem forensic imaging including good resolution for skeletal imaging, relatively low cost, portability, and simplicity. Aim and objectives:To determine the sexual dimorphism of mandibular canal using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Materials and Methods:Course of mandibular canal classified into types based on considerable distance between the mandibular canal and the root apexes of premolars and molars, A) Catenary, B) Progressive descending, C) Straight. Location of mandibular canal was evaluated in 4 different points. Comparison of length and width of mandibular canal, prevalence of anterior loop, bifid mandibular canal, accessory mental and mandibular canal among genders. Comparison of continuous variables such as distance, length and width of canal with gender and side was done using unpaired t-test. Comparison of categorical variables with gender and side was performed using Chi-square test. The level of significant was 5%. Results:The prevalence of type of canal was highest in straight canals 53.9% followed by progressive descending and catenary canals 23.7% and 22.4% respectively. Measuring the length of canal showed statically significant result as mean length of IAC was 68.36 ± 5.24, 64.10 ± 3.18 in males and females respectively. Width and distance to adjacent structures had no significant result but dimensions were slightly lesser in females. Prevalence of anterior loop was found to be 57.9%.The most frequently observed type of bifid canal was retromolar42.9% followed by forward 28.6%, dental 19%and buccolingual 9.5%. There was no significant difference of assessing prevalence of anterior loop, accessory mental and mandibular foramen in relation to gender and side. Conclusion:Sex determination becomes one of the first priorities in the process of identification by a forensic investigator in the case of mishaps, chemical and nuclear bomb explosions, natural disasters, crime investigations, and ethnic studies.Advanced cross-sectional imaging modalities especially CBCT is a suitable tool for observing anatomic characteristics of mandibular canal in forensic odontology. In the current study we found significant result on type of course and length of canal for gender determination.

Identifying the Anatomical Variations of the Inferior Alveolar Nerve with Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

The inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) is located in the mandibular canal (MC). It is critical to evaluate the position of the MC during treatment planning to prevent intra or postoperative complications. This retrospective study aimed to identify the anatomy and anatomical variations of the IAN using soft tissue imaging (pulse sequence magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]). This study was designed as a retrospective Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) study. In total, 220 MR images were obtained. Nutrient canals (NCs) were classified as intraosseous and dental NCs, while bifid MCs (BMCs) were classified as forward, retromolar, and buccolingual canals. IBM SPSS Statistics 22 was used. Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests, descriptive statistical methods (means, standard deviations, and frequencies), and the Chi-square test were used. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. In total, 220 patients (172 females and 48 males) were evaluated. NCs were present in 92.3% of all MCs and were significantly higher in patients aged <25 years. BMCs were observed in 106 patients (24.1%). The most common BMC of MC/IAN was in the forward canal (14.4%), followed by the retromolar canal (7.5%). Although previously, the dental canal was considered as an anatomical variation, this study revisited the classification and suggested that dental canals are anatomical structures.

Common but lesser-known anatomical variation of the mandibular canal: Bifid mandibular canal

Günümüz diş hekimliğinde mandibulada yapılacak cerrahi işlemler öncesi mandibular kanala ilişkin varyasyonların değerlendirmesi ve belirlenmesi posterior bölgeye yapılacak oral cerrahi işlemlere yönelik cerrahi esnasında ve sonrasında meydana gelebilecek komplikasyonların önlemesinde önem taşımaktadır. Bifid mandibular kanal mandibulada izlenen anatomik varyasyonlar arasında en sık bildirilen tür olmakla birlikte, tanımlanmasına ve yaygınlığının bilinirliğine yönelik bilgi düzeyinin düşük olduğu tahmin edilmektedir. Bu teknik notta yaygın görülmekle birlikte hakkındaki bilgi düzeyinin eksik olduğu bilinen bifid mandibular kanal varyasyonlarının görünümlerine ilişkin bilgi verilmesi amaçlanmaktadır.

Prevalence of bifid variations of the mandibular canal in an Iranian population using cone-beam computed tomography.

Bifid mandibular canal (MC) is an anatomical variation of the MC. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and shape of bifid MC in an Iranian population. A total of 681 patients who had undergone cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for different purposes between 2018 and 2020 were evaluated. After detection, bifid MCs were classified into four types forward, buccolingual, dental, and retromolar. CBCT images were assessed by two oral and maxillofacial radiologists. Data were analyzed by SPSS using an independent t-test and Chi-square test. Bifid MC was found in 23 (3.4%) out of 681 patients, with a mean age of 32.21years. Ten patients (1.5%) had a bifid MC on the right side, 6 (0.9%) on the left side, and 7 (1%) bilaterally. However, no significant correlation was found between laterality and the prevalence of bifid MC (P > 0.05). Bifid MC was found in 8 males (34.8%) and 15 females (65.2%). Gender had no significant correlation with the prevalence of bifid MC (P > 0.05). Forward type was the most common (n = 8, 1.2%) followed by buccolingual (n = 5, 0.73%), dental (n = 2, 0.3%), and retromolar (n = 1, 0.14%) types. According to the present results, bifid MC was not uncommon in the Iranian population of the present study, and forward type was the most common, followed by buccal and then dental bifid MCs. There was no significant correlation between sex and age with bifid MC but bifid MC was detected more frequently in females than males, and it was seen unilaterally in a higher percentage of the cases.

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Assessment of Bifid and Trifid Mandibular Canals: A Cross-Sectional Study

The exact knowledge of the mandibular canal position is fundamental in oral surgery and implantology. Clinicians have to be extremely cautious when operating in close proximity to this structure in order to avoid damaging the neurovascular bundle. Several anatomical variations of the mandibular canal have been described in the literature, such as bifid or trifid structures. The use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers a detailed representation of the inferior alveolar nerve path, albeit with some difficulties of identification when dental implants or metal prosthesis are present. The aim of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the prevalence and location of bifid/trifid mandibular canals (BMC/TMC) by CBCT in Italian patients. The screening phase involved 584 patients, only 238 enrolled (97 men; 141 women), with an average age of 51 ± 17.20. A total of 36 patients (15.25%) showed at least one bifid mandibular canal; only 2 patients (0.84%) showed a trifid mandibular canal. Overall, 12 patients (5.04%) presented this variation bilaterally. There was no association with the sex of the enrolled sample. In conclusion, the presence of BMCs and TMCs may be considered as a risk factor for the onset of neurovascular complications. Being aware of changes in the mandibular canal helps clinicians to prevent inferior alveolar nerve impairments that may occur during oral surgery and implantology.

Bifid Mandibular Canal: A Proportional Meta-Analysis of Computed Tomography Studies.

Growing body of evidences showed different grades in prevalence of bifid mandibular canals. Because the previous reviews focused solely on patient-level occurrence, hemi-mandible-level prevalence, bilateral symmetry, length, and diameter of bifid mandibular canals were required to be estimated collectively. The research question of this meta-analysis was "What is the prevalence of bifid mandibular canal among patients seeking computed tomography examinations"? In vivo, computed tomography, and cross-sectional studies were eligible. Studies, with less than 100 subjects or anatomic site restriction or controlled class of bifid mandibular canal, were excluded. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool for prevalence studies was used to assess methodological quality of all included studies. Random effect meta-analyses for proportion of bifid mandibular canal were done. 40 studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies were selected for both systematic review and meta-analyses. Totally, 17714 patients and 31973 hemi-mandibles were included. All eligible studies showed moderate risk of bias on average. Resulting from the random effect model, more than 20% of patients seeking computed tomographic examinations had bifid mandibular canals (BMCs) which penetrated into slightly more than 14% of hemi-mandibles. Of the patients having bifid mandibular canals (BMCs), nearly 23% exhibited such anatomy on both sides of their mandibles. Estimated mean length and diameter of the accessory canals of bifid mandibular canals were 12.17 mm and 1.54 mm, respectively. The geographical locations, classifications, reliability test, and voxel size of computed tomography were all implicated in the prevalence of bifid mandibular canals along with gender and laterality, although considerable heterogeneity and bias were detected.

Evaluating the prevalence of bifid mandibular canals and anatomic variations by cone beam computed tomography

Evaluating the prevalence of bifid mandibular canals and anatomic variations by cone beam computed tomography

Prevalence of Bifid Mandibular Canal: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of bifid mandibular canal (BMC) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and panoramic images through meta-analysis. Databases of Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched to find the relevant studies. Studies the met the inclusion criteria were selected. Variables of prevalence, side, length and diameter of BMC and sex were assessed. Data was analyzed using STATA software version 17. Of the 1164 articles initially selected, 36 were enrolled. A total of 38077 patients were considered. The overall prevalence of BMC was 18.0%. Studies that evaluated CBCT images reported higher prevalence of BMC compared to panoramic images (25.0% vs 3.0%). The prevalence of BMC was higher in men than women and slightly higher in right side than the left side of the jaw, but none of those differences were significant. The results have shown a total prevalence of 18.0% for BMC. Detection power of CBCT images were higher than panoramics. There was no significant relation between prevalence of BMC with sex or side of the jaw.

Anatomical Variations of the Mandibular Canal and Mental Foramen in Full Edentulous Iranian Subpopulation: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomographic Study

Background: This study sought to determine the anatomical variations of the mental foramen (MF) and the mandibular canal (MC) in the full edentulous Iranian subpopulation using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). These variations can have significant clinical implications in dental implant surgery. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated the mandible CBCT scans of 384 completely edentulous patients that required dental implant treatment. The CBCT scans were retrieved from four radiology clinics in Tehran, Iran, using quota sampling. The reconstructed images were evaluated to determine the dimensions and position of the MC and its cortication at the site of the mandibular first molar, the branching of the MC, the existence of the anterior loop of the mental nerve, and anatomical variations of the MF. The correlations of variables with age and gender were analyzed using the independent t-test, chi-square test, and analysis of variance based on the type of the variable. Results: The cortication of the MC at the site of the mandibular first molar was present in 72.9% of the cases and was significantly more common in male patients (P = 0.0001). Bifid mandibular canal, accessory MF, and anterior loop of mental nerve were present in 9.9%, 65%, and 54.7% of the samples, respectively, and they had no significant correlation with age/gender. The mean MC diameter, the mean MF height, and the mean distance from the inferior border of the mandible to the center of MF were all significantly higher in male patients (P

Prevalence and Characterization of bifid mandibular Canal Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia.

AimThe purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and morphological characteristics of the bifid mandibular canal in a Saudi Arabian subpopulation, to aid in preventing surgical complications near the mandibular canal.Patients and MethodsUsing CBCT images obtained from the Radiology unit database in a University Hospital Clinics. A total of 488 CBCT images were investigated (244 Female – 178 Male). In the present study, the Naitoh classification was used to categorize the bifid mandibular canal into the following types: 1) Retromolar canal; 2) Dental canal; 3) Forward canal (with or without confluence); and 4) Buccolingual canal. Additional variation (Trifid canal) was included. All CBCTs were assessed in coronal, sagittal, axial, as well as panoramic views using specialized software.ResultsThe prevalence of BMC was 28.7% (95% CI, 24.5 to 33.2), Gender (p = 0.404) and age (p = 0.654) had no statistical significances, laterality of BMC, patients with unilateral BMC were significantly older than those with bilateral BMC (mean ± SD ages of 40.5 ± 13.5 and 32.9 ± 13.8, respectively, p = 0.009). About two-thirds (67.5%) of the investigated BMC cases were found unilateral. The most common reported type of BMC was retromolar canal.ConclusionThe incidence of bifid mandibular canal using CBCT is considered relatively high in Saudi Arabian subpopulation, with the most common type was the retro-molar canal.

An evaluation of mandibular canal variations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The inferior alveolar nerve and vessels are carried via the mandibular canal, which extends bilaterally from the inferior alveolar foramen to the mental foramen. Bifid and trifidmandibular canals result from abnormal fusions of nerve canals. The purpose of this study was to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive analysis of the prevalence ofmandibular canalvariations among healthy adults, and to identify any potential ethnic, sex, or laterality predilections. The prevalence of the bifid mandibular canal was 18.87% and that of the trifid canal 1.3%. Unilateral variants were three times commoner than bilateral. Eachmandibular half had four canals emanating from separate openings on the lingual surface of the mandibular ramus. Retromolar and forward canals were the predominant subtypes, followed by dental; buccolingual were the least frequent. The mean length and diameter ofthe bifid mandibular canalwere 13.62mm and 1.63mm, respectively. The possibility of a bifid mandibular canal is a crucial consideration in dental medicine. Because anatomical variations of themandibular canal are fairly common, awareness of them is essential for anatomy teachers and for surgeons who operate in the oromaxillofacial region.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Accessory Mandibular Canals: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study in a European Adult Population.

The purpose of this observational study is to evaluate the prevalence and main characteristics of bifid canals within a European adult population, analyzing cone-beam-computed tomography (CBCT). The population study examined 300 subjects. The CBCTs were performed between 2012 and 2019, using PaX-Zenith3D with a standard protocol of acquisition. The parameters analyzed were the presence and lengths of the bifid mandibular canals. The sample included 49% male and 51% female participants. The mean age of the patients was 47.07 ± 17.7 years. Anatomical variants of the mandibular canal were identified in 28.8% of the sides and 50.3% of the patients. In 7.3% of the subjects, the anatomical variants were present bilaterally. The most frequently encountered bifid canal was Type 3 (40.5%), followed by the Type 1 canal (39.3%), the Type 2 canal (14.5%), and the Type 4 canal (5.9%), 40% on the right side and 60% on the left side. The average length of the bifid canals located on the right side of the mandible was 11.96 ± 5.57 mm, compared to 11.38 ± 4.89 mm for those measured on the left side. The bifid mandibular canal is a common anatomical variation of the mandibular canal. It is fundamental to performing an accurate preoperative evaluation using CBCT analysis to avoid and/or reduce intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Evaluation of Anatomical Variations of Mandibular Canal through Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Introduction: The inferior alveolar canal is an important anatomical structure in the field of dentistry implants and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an important diagnostic technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of anatomical variations of the mandibular canal observed in CBCT images.&#x0D; Materials &amp; Methods: In this descriptive-analytic study 384 inferior alveolar canals were evaluated in 192 patients, who were referred to the radiology department of Isfahan Azad University in 1396 for a cone- beam computed tomography. Radiographs were performed to assess the frequency of different left and right mandibular canal segregations by sex in terms of upper and lower position, baccolingual position, shape of the general canal. The frequency and different types of existing mandibular plug canals were also evaluated. Data were analyzed by Chi Square, independent T Test, paired t-test. (p value &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Results: The mandibular canal was 2.1% of the lower position, 11.9% of the upper position and 86% of the middle position. Statistically significant differences were observed between the frequency distributions of canal positions and gender (p value = 0.004). The prevalence of Bifid mandibular canals was 14.8%. There was no significant relationship between the shape of the general channel path and gender. There was no significant difference between the mean distance between the mandibular canal and the buccal cortex in both Molar and Ramus with the sex of the subjects and the side of the canal (p value &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The highest frequency of mandibular canal in most subjects was on the right in the intermediate position. The mean distance between mandibular canal and buccal cortex in Ramos and Molars area on both right and left sides was not significantly different between men and women.

Inferior alveolar nerve topography and its bifurcation features: a cone beam computed tomography evaluation.

Mandibular canal (MC) is the most important vital structure in mandible to prevent from complications such as bleeding and paresthesia. The aims of the present study were to inform the features (diameter, distances to the mandibular borders, and distance to tooth apex) of the MC for each posterior tooth region, and to present the bifurcation features of the MC. Four-hundreds-eighteen MC images of 209 patients were evaluated. The parameters were recorded from right and left hemi-mandibles for each posterior teeth region: 1) MC diameter; 2) MC and mandibular basis distance; 3) MC and crest distance; 4) MC and tooth apex distance; 5) MC and buccal plate distance; 6) MC and lingual plate distance; and 7) possible implant length (the distance between 2 mm coronal of the MC and 1 mm apical of the crest). Additionally, MC bifurcation type and bifid mandibular canal length were noted for right and left sides. While higher MC diameter values were recorded at molars, MC diameter in first premolars bilaterally were the lowest. In premolars, MC and mandibular basis distance showed higher values than molars. There was a trend of decrease in MC and crest distance from molars to premolars. The highest MC and tooth apex distance was measured in second molar; however, the lowest was in the first premolar. Additionally, MC and buccal plate distances were higher in molars, while MC and lingual plate distances were higher in premolars. Possible implant length in first premolar was the lowest, when it was the highest in second molars. For simulating overall MC topography, it extended bucco-coronally from molars to premolars. Due to this topography, possible implant length increased from premolars to molars.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of mandibular canal variations on cone beam computed tomography.

The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the mandibular canal (MC) variations and their anatomical incidences using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Related articles on the anatomical variations of the MC using CBCT were searched through PubMed, Cochrane, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) to identify all relevant articles eligible for inclusion. Data extracted included incidences of the anatomical variations of the MC including the accessory mental foramen (AMF), retromolar foramen (RMF), mandibular lingual foramina (MLF), and the bifid mandibular canal (BMC). In total, 16 descriptive cross-sectional studies (one low quality and fifteen high quality) were included in the meta-analysis analyzing 8862 MC. The meta-analysis performed with a random-effects model showed that the incidence of AMF was 9.54% (95% CI 6.39-12.69%), the incidence of RMF was 23.64% (95% CI 14.44-32.84%). MLF was found in almost all adults studied, and the incidence of BMC was about 38.0%. The foramina and canals branched from the MC presented significant anatomical variations among individuals. CBCT-based study on the anatomical variations of the MC could provide guidance for clinical practice.

Prevalence of Bifid Mandibular Canal Patients Referred to Rafsanjan Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Clinic in 2019-2021

Introduction: Bifid mandibular canal is one of the types of mandibular canal. Considering that failure to identify the bifid mandibular canals can lead to various complications. In the present study, bifid mandibular canal was evaluated by CBCT (Cone beam Computed tomography) images in Rafsanjan City.&#x0D; Methods: In this descriptive cross sectional study, all the patients who underwent CBCT at a private oral and maxillofacial radiology clinic in Rafsanjan City during the May 2019 until May 2021 were evaluated. The mandibular canal and its different types were evaluated by an experienced radiologist, using CBCT images in reconstructed coronal, sagittal and panoramic planes for each quadrant. The bifid mandibular canal was identified and its type was determined based on Naitoh classification. After collecting the data, they were entered into SPSS version 16. Descriptive statistical methods (mean, standard deviation and frequency) were used to evaluate the data.&#x0D; Results: In the present study, 815 CBCT radiographs were examined and 62 (7.6%) cases consisting of 29 men (7.2%) and 33 (8%) women had bifid mandibular canal. The results declared there was no significant difference between the prevalence of bifid mandibular canal between the two sexes (P = 0.647). In addition, the type of bifid canal, canal side and canal branch location were not significantly different between the two sexes.&#x0D; Conclusion: The present study showed that the prevalence of Bifid mandibular canal in one sample of Iranian population is 7% and its identification before treatment can prevent further problems.

A retrospective evaluation of bifid mandibular canal prevalence of Southeastern Anatolia population by cone-beam computed tomography

Introduction: Bifid mandibular canal (BMC) is often detected incidentally on radiological examination and can be observed in unilateral or bilateral forms. The correct localization of the BMC plays an important role in the prevention of complications such as paresthesia, anesthesia, bleeding, traumatic neuroma, which may occur during or after surgical operations on the mandible such as sagittal split ramus osteotomy, impacted third molar tooth extraction, and dental implant surgery. Objective: This study aims to retrospectively evaluate the prevalence of bifid mandibular canal (BMC) in the Southeastern Anatolian population via Conical Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Material and Method: In this retrospective study, CBCT images of 615 patients, who applied to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in the Faculty of Dentistry at Dicle University, Turkey, for various reasons from 2015 to 2020, is evaluated and cases with bifid mandibular canals are examined. The prevalence evaluation is conducted by statistical analyses in terms of sex and laterality. Results: According to the analyses, the BMC prevalence did not constitute a significant difference in terms of the age variable (p&amp;gt;0.05). The incidence of unilateral BMC was higher than bilateral BMC (p&amp;lt;0.05; p=0.016). Additionally, the prevalence of BMC was higher in males compared to females (p&amp;lt;0.05; p=0.008). Conclusion: BMC, which can be detected more easily and frequently via CBCT technology, is an anatomical formation that should be taken into account during oral and maxillofacial practices.