Detection of lingual vascular canal by cone-beam computed tomography

Objective: The purpose of the present study is to assess the location and size of lingual vascular canal using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of cone beam CT (CBCT) scan images of 100 patients was done at CBCT centre in Bhopal, India. Patients undergoing CBCT scans for implant placement were included in this study. CBCT machine used was Sirona Orthophos SL (Sirona, Germany) having flat panel detector. Scan parameter adjusted were 70Kv and 8mA, having an exposure time of 14 seconds with voxel size of 8*8mm and spatial resolution of 110μm. The frequency, number, and location of the lingual vascular canals were evaluated. In addition, the exact location of each canal was obtained by measuring the distance to the canal from the inferior border of the mandible. The diameter of the canal was measured midway of the canal wall [Figure 1] and [Figure 2]. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software to determine the frequency, location, and number of the canal. Study Design: This study analyzed 100 cbct scans of patients between 20-60 years enrolled at a cbct centre in bhopal, india. this image were acquired using sirona's orthophos SL. two oral and maxillofacial radiologists examined all images to analyzed the location and distance of lingual vascular canal with respect to gender and age. Results: About 100 patients (male = 49 and female = 51) demonstrated the presence of lingual vascular channels (LVC) with only one patient showing three canals. Hence, the maximum number of single and double lingual vascular canal was present in female patients. The mean distance from the inferior border of mandible was 9.39 ± 3.28 mm in males. There was no significant difference regarding the location of the lingual vascular canal and its presence and absence. Gender-wise distribution of lingual vascular canal in male patient was 49, and in female patients, it was 51. Conclusion: CBCT provides adequate information regarding number and size of lingual vascular canal, which is an important anatomical structure in mandibular anterior region.