Assessment of Accessory Canals and Foramina in the Mandibular Arch Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography and a New Classification for Mandibular Accessory Canals.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study include the following: (i) to assess the presence of accessory canals and foramina in the body of the mandible using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), (ii) to evaluate the location, number, diameter, and length of accessory canals in the body of the mandible, and (iii) to propose a new classification for mandibular accessory canals based on the location. METHODS: A total of 50 (25 males and 25 females) CBCT scans were analyzed in three anatomical planes and three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions for the exact number, location, diameter, and accessory length canals and accessory foramina in the body of the mandible. The statistical analysis used was an independent t-test. RESULTS: Out of 50 CBCT scans, a total of 243 accessory canals and 245 accessory foramina were found. About 53% of accessory canals and foramina were found in males, while 47% were observed in females; 89% were evident in the anterior region, and only 11% were in the posterior region. The majority (64%) of the medial lingual canals had a diameter greater than or equal to 1 mm, while only 32% of accessory canals had a diameter of less than 1 mm (p < 0.05). The mean length of median lingual canals in females was 1.2910 ± 0.2582 mm and 2.6438 ± 0.5288 mm in male subjects. Mandibular accessory canals are classified broadly into anterior and posterior accessory canals, which have further subdivisions. CONCLUSION: CBCT plays a dynamic role in determining the mandible location of various neurovascular structures, including accessory canals and foramina. Female subjects were observed with more accessory canals and foramina and more common in the anterior region than in the posterior region.

An institutional survey for knowledge-based and self-awareness assessment in temporomandibular joint disorders among dental students.

CONTEXT: Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) have been recognized as one of the most common causes of nondental orofacial pain. Various studies have been reported in literature regarding the relationship between prevalence of signs and symptoms of TMDs and gender, suggestive of female predilection; however, none of the studies have yet been reported to suggest the relationship between knowledge about temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and TMDs and self-awareness of its signs and symptoms. AIM: To find a relationship between the level of knowledge about TMJ and TMDs and self-awareness of its signs and symptoms. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study was designed as an institutional survey. The study sample comprised 491 undergraduate and postgraduate (PG) students, consisting of 90 males and 401 females with age ranging between 18 and 32 years. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two sets of questionnaire were distributed among the students. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis was performed with the help of Epi Info (TM) 3.5.3, descriptive statistical analysis, test of proportion, Chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance, Tukey's test, and knowledge index. RESULTS: It was observed that there was a gradual increase in the level of knowledge about TMJ and TMDs and self-awareness of its signs and symptoms from the 1st year to PG students. CONCLUSIONS: A direct relationship exists between the level of knowledge about TMJ and TMDs and self-awareness of its signs and symptoms.