OBJECTIVES: This study was performed in order to verify bifid mandibular canals revealed from panoramic radiographic results. METHODS: 1000 panoramic radiographs from dental patients and the panorama, cone beam CT (CBCT) and micro-CT from 40 dry mandibles were examined for bifid mandibular canals. The results were confirmed by a stereoscopic and histological examination of the cross-sectioned mandibles. RESULTS: The prevalence of bifid canals detected from the panoramic radiographs was 0.038. The panoramic radiographs from one dry mandible showed two separate radiolucent mandibular canal-like structures delineated by radio-opaque lines. However, a stereoscopic and histological examination of a cross-section of the mandible showed that only one canal was a true canal containing neurovascular bundles: the other was false, reflecting merely a bony trabecular pattern. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of bifid mandibular canals determined by panoramic radiography should be judged with great caution in relation to dental surgery.
OBJECTIVES: This study was performed in order to verify bifid mandibular canals revealed from panoramic radiographic results. METHODS: 1000 panoramic radiographs from dental patients and the panorama, cone beam CT (CBCT) and micro-CT from 40 dry mandibles were examined for bifid mandibular canals. The results were confirmed by a stereoscopic and histological examination of the cross-sectioned mandibles. RESULTS: The prevalence of bifid canals detected from the panoramic radiographs was 0.038. The panoramic radiographs from one dry mandible showed two separate radiolucent mandibular canal-like structures delineated by radio-opaque lines. However, a stereoscopic and histological examination of a cross-section of the mandible showed that only one canal was a true canal containing neurovascular bundles: the other was false, reflecting merely a bony trabecular pattern. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of bifid mandibular canals determined by panoramic radiography should be judged with great caution in relation to dental surgery.
Authors: Letícia F Haas; Kamile Dutra; André Luís Porporatti; Luis A Mezzomo; Graziela De Luca Canto; Carlos Flores-Mir; Márcio Corrêa Journal: Dentomaxillofac Radiol Date: 2015-11-18 Impact factor: 2.419
Authors: Douglas Magno Guimarães; Flávia Sirotheau Correa Pontes; Diogo Dos Santos Da Mata Rezende; Helder Antonio Rebelo Pontes Journal: Ann Maxillofac Surg Date: 2014-01