Incidence and classification of bifid mandibular canals using cone beam computed tomography

ABSTRACT

Aim: To determine the prevalence and classification of bifid mandibular canals using cone beamcomputed tomography (CBCT). Methods: The sample comprised 300 CBCT scans obtainedfrom the Radiology and Imaging Department database at São Leopoldo Mandic Dental School,Campinas, SP, Brazil. All images were performed on Classic I-Cat® CBCT scanner, withstandardized voxel at 0.25 mm and 13 cm FOV (field of view). From an axial slice (0.25 mm) aguiding plane was drawn along the alveolar ridge in order to obtain a cross-section. Results:Among 300 patients, 188 (62.7%) were female and 112 (37.3%) were male, aged between 13to 87 years. Changes in the mandibular canal were observed in 90 patients, 30.0% of thesample, 51 women (56.7%) and 39 men (43.3%). Regarding affected sides, 32.2% were on theright and 24.5% on the left, with 43.3% bilateral cases. Conclusions: According to the resultsobtained in this study, a prevalence of 30% of bifid mandibular canals was found, with the mostprevalent types classified as B (mesial direction) and bilateral.