Prevalence of bifid mandibular canals by cone beam computed tomography.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of bifid mandibular canals (BMC) by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined CT scans from 300 patients both male and female, aged 25 to 87 years. The subjects were divided into groups according to gender, male group (MG) and female group (FG) as well as subgroups according to the side, right (R) and left (L). Tomographic acquisitions were performed on the device I-Cat ® Classic. Image analysis was performed on the XoranCat ® software of the equipment itself, aided by image filters associated with transverse, oblique, and panoramic reconstruction cuts for analysis of the BMC. The results were displayed as descriptive analysis of the values and comparisons between factors were performed using ANOVA at a significance level of 95 %. RESULTS: BMC was observed in 80 cases (26.67 %), of which, 39 (48.75 %) were in males and 41 (51.25 %) in females; no difference was seen between genders, neither by affected side, although the right side was more frequently affected (66.67 %) when both genders were combined. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of BMC is significant and should not be overlooked.