Retrospective Evaluation of Mandibular Canal Anatomy and Variations by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Purpose: Determining the anatomical localization and variations of the mandibular canal is of great importance in determining the treatment method to be preferred during the treatment of the patient and having an idea before surgery for possible complications. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the anatomy and variations of the mandibular canal using Cone Beam Computed Tomography(CBCT). Materials&Methods: CBCT images obtained from 300 jaws of 300 patients, 168 of whom were female and 132 male, were used. The examined mandibular canals were divided into four groups as retromolar, anterior canal, dental and buccolingual canals. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results: Bifid duct was detected in 149(49.2%) of the patients, but trifid duct was not detected. 73 (48.99%) of bifid canals were detected on the right and 76 (50.01%) on the left. Considering the relationship between age and gender and the presence of mandibular canal variation, no statistically significant result was found according to the chi-square test.When the right-left distribution of the channel variations evaluated in the study was examined, no statistically significant relationship was observed.(p>0.005)(p=0.688) Conclusion: The prevalence of variation in the examined mandibular canals was found to be 49.66%. Anterior canal(35.6%) was most common, followed by retromolar canal(28.2%), dental canal(25.6%) and buccolingual canal(10.7%). According to the results obtained, the possibility of approximately 50 percent mandibular canal variation should be considered in prosthetic and surgical treatment interventions planned in the relevant regions.