ASSESSMENT OF MANDIBULAR 3RD MOLAR APICES TO THE INFERIOR DENTAL CANAL USING CONVENTIONAL RADIOGRAPHY AND CBCT

Conventional radiographs provide only a 2 dimensional view of complicated three dimensional structures. The proximity, angulations, location of impacted teeth, related to the IAN can be adequately determined using conventional 2-D periodical and panoramic radiographs. Computed tomography necessitates the administration of a high dose radiation, especially when the slice width is shortened to increased cost are the negative aspects of computed tomography compared with conventional imaging. Cone beam computed tomographies are becoming more readily available for use in maxilla facial applications. CBCT provides better image quality of teeth and their surrounding structures, compared with conventional CT and offers high spatial resolution. CBCT seems to be more accurate data about inferior alveolar canal. Hence the present study was undertaken to assess and select roots of third molar with close proximity to inferior dental canal in panoramic radiograph having radiographic signs of darkening of root, disruption of canal cortex and canal deviation and to evaluate the same roots with CBCT using trans axial and coronal sections which is angulated parallel to long axis to tooth, axial and coronal sections for proximity of inferior dental canal with the apices of third molar root. Keywords: CBCT, IAN

Anatomical positions of the inferior dental canal and its relationship with impacted lower third molars in 18- to 29-year-old Ecuadorians.

The third molars are the dental organs with the most variations in terms of their formation and time of eruption, which can cause several pathologies. The incidence of third molar impaction varies between 20% and 30%, with predominance in females. Through the inferior dental canal, goes the inferior dental nerve to innervate the molars and lower premolars. Recent studies on variations in the position of the lower dental canal have shown a low incidence of variations. Objective: To determine the prevalence of anatomical variations of the inferior dental canal in relation to impacted lower third molars, by means of digital image analysis in patients who attended the X-Ray Imaging Center in Azogues in 2016. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients who attended the center X-Ray Imaging Center in Azogues in 2016. The following variables were analyzed: sex, age, variation of the position of the inferior dental canal in relation to the third impacted molar, the radiographic details according to the Monaco classification, and tooth position according to the Winter classification. In total, 64 radiographs were analyzed. Results: It was found that 5% of participants showed no relation of the inferior dental canal with the lower third molar, 72% had a relation of the dental canal with the third molar, and 23% presented with absence of the third molar. According to the Winter classification, the prevalence was 53% mesioangular, 18% horizontal, 19% vertical, 6% vestibuloversion, and 4% inverted. Conclusion: The third molars present high indexes of relation with the inferior dental canal in 18- to 29-year-old Ecuadorians.

Mental foramen mimicking as periapical pathology - A case report

The radiographic recognition of any disease requires a thorough knowledge of the radiographic appearance of normal structure. Intelligent diagnosis mandates an appreciation of the wide range of variation in the appearance of normal anatomical structures. The mental foramen is usually the anterior limit of the inferior dental canal that is apparent on radiographs. It opens on the facial aspect of the mandible in the region of the premolars. It can pose diagnostic dilemma radiographically because of its anatomical variation which can mimic as a periapical pathosis. Hereby we are reporting a rare case of superimposed mental foramen over the apex of right mandibular second premolar mimicking as periapical pathology.