Evaluation of the retromolar canal and foramina of the mandible with cone-beam computed tomography
Abstract
Background: The goal of this study was to investigate the occurrence of retromolar canal (RMC) and retromolar foramen (RMF) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a Turkish subpopulation.
Methods: This study included high-resolution CBCT images from 177 male and 173 female, totally 350, with average age of 31.9 years (18 to 70 years). The RMC was defined as an independent accessory canal or arising from the mandibular canal continuous with a foramen on the retromolar fossa. The RMCs were analyzed by considering sex and side. Independet samples statistically analyzed with chi-square test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The RMC was detected in 11.42% of patients. Of these, 11 patients (3.14%) had bilateral RMC, while 29 patients (8.28%) had a unilateral RMC. There were no differences between left and right sides or between genders (P>0.05).
Conclusions: RMC is an anatomic variation that performers of oral surgery should be aware of. It could potentially cause hypoesthesia and unnecessary discomfort of patient when injured. CBCT is a useful device to reveal anatomic features of the retromolar foramen and canal.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Clinical Sciences
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Nihat Laçin
*
0000-0003-3661-2378
Türkiye
Birkan Tatar
0000-0002-8917-575X
Türkiye
İlknur Veli
0000-0001-7504-9122
Türkiye
Emre Aytuğar
This is me
0000-0002-0686-6476
Türkiye
Publication Date
March 22, 2019
Submission Date
February 28, 2019
Acceptance Date
March 14, 2019
Published in Issue
Year 2019 Volume: 16 Number: 1