Bifid mandibular canals in panoramic radiographs.

The purpose of this study was to identify and classify specific anatomic variations of the mandibular canal for which we have suggested the term "bifid mandibular canals." A total of 6,000 panoramic radiographs were studied, and those that contained these canals were identified. A classification of bifid mandibular canals was developed from this material. In addition, as the different variations of these bifid mandibular canals may present a number of problems in clinical practice, some solutions to these problems are presented. In our sample, there were 57 bifid mandibular canals, an incidence of 0.95%. These results suggest that the presence of bifid mandibular canals is not a rare finding. If panoramic equipment is not available, the lateral jaw view may be taken to study the mandible for the anesthetic, surgical, and prosthetic problems.