A histomorphometric analysis of the nature of the mandibular canal in the anterior molar region

Knowledge of the position and configuration of the mandibular canal is a basic requirement before implant placement in the mandible. Radiological studies suggest a positive correlation between alveolar trabecular bone quality and mandibular canal corticalization. The aim of this study was to test this assumption histomorphometrically in the anterior molar region, which is one of the most frequent places for implantation. Fifty thin ground sections (from 28 male and 22 female cadavers) of the first molar region were investigated for trabecular bone volume and thickness and the presence of a mandibular canal wall. Trabecular bone volume was significantly higher in males (p = 0.009). Further, it correlated significantly with the presence of a canal wall (rho = 0.585, p