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Radiographic assessment of the mandibular retromolar canal using cone-beam computed tomography

Authors :
Claudio Marchetti
Giuseppe Lizio
Ghigi G
Alessandro Fanelli
Gian Andrea Pelliccioni
Lizio G.
Pelliccioni G.A.
Ghigi G.
Fanelli A.
Marchetti C.
Source :
Acta Odontologica Scandinavica. 71:650-655
Publication Year :
2012
Publisher :
Informa UK Limited, 2012.

Abstract

Objective. The 'retromolar' nerve is a collateral branch of the inferior alveolar nerve. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides higher resolution images. This CBCT study reports the frequency of the retromolar nerve. Materials and methods. From 2007-2010 the CBCT study of 233 hemi-mandibles have been examined. The CBCT study was obtained from an investigation of the posterior mandibular region in 187 patients suffering from different pathologies and it was aimed at detecting in patients the presence of a retromolar canal and foramen. Results. Thirty-four retromolar canals with a foramen were detected on 233 CBCT (14.6%) in 30 out of 187 patients (16%). In the 46 patients who underwent CBCT bilaterally, the retromolar canal was found in nine subjects (19.6%) and was present bilaterally in four subjects, for an incidence of 8.7%. Conclusions. The results suggest that the radiological frequency of the retromolar nerve is notable, with a possible relevance in the surgical approach of the mandibular retromolar area. The presence of a retromolar canal, well detected with CBCT, may warn clinicians about the possibility of inadequate pre-surgical anaesthesia, local intra-operative bleeding and post-operative alterations of the sensation in the third molar area.

Details

ISSN :
15023850 and 00016357
Volume :
71
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Acta Odontologica Scandinavica
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....00a36c7d8ca36eb1835523cc72b547e4
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3109/00016357.2012.704393