Visibility of the mandibular canal on CBCT crosssectional images
J. appl. oral sci
; 19(3): 240-243, May-June 2011. ilus, tab
Article
in En
| LILACS
| ID: lil-588129
Responsible library:
BR1.1
ABSTRACT
The identification of the mandibular canal (MC) is an important prerequisite for surgical procedures involving the posterior mandible. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) represents an advance in imaging technology, but distinguishing the MC from surrounding structures may remain a delicate task. OBJECTIVES:
The aim of this study was to assess the visibility of the MC in different regions on CBCT cross-sectional images. MATERIAL ANDMETHODS:
CBCT cross-sectional images of 58 patients (116 hemi-mandibles) were analyzed, and the visibility of the MC in different regions was assessed.RESULTS:
The MC was clearly visible in 53 percent of the hemi-mandibles. Difficult and very difficult visualizations were registered in 25 percent and 22 percent of the hemi-mandibles, respectively. The visibility of the MC on distal regions was superior when compared to regions closer to the mental foramen. No differences were found between edentulous and tooth-bearing areas.CONCLUSIONS:
The MC presents an overall satisfactory visibility on CBCT cross-sectional images in most cases. However, the discrimination of the canal from its surrounds becomes less obvious towards the mental foramen region when cross-sectional images are individually analyzed.Key words
Full text:
1
Index:
LILACS
Main subject:
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
/
Mandible
Type of study:
Prognostic_studies
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
En
Journal:
J. appl. oral sci
Journal subject:
ODONTOLOGIA
Year:
2011
Type:
Article