Evaluation of Juxta-Apical Radiolucency as a Risk Factor for Inferior Alveolar Nerve Damage: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Study

 Injuries to the lingual and inferior alveolar nerves (IAN) through third molar surgery are common and complicated clinical problems. Juxta-apical radiolucency (JAR) is one of the new radiographic signs, suggestive of IAN damage.

 This study aimed to assess the relationship between JAR and IAN and to determine its effects on the cortical plate.

 In this cross-sectional study, after evaluating an initial sample of 450 cases, the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 20 patients with JAR were compared with those of 20 age-matched patients without JAR in the axial and multi-planar images. The relationship between JAR and IAN was evaluated, and thinning of the mandibular cortical plates was also investigated. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive tests and chi-square test in SPSS version 23.

 The relationship between JAR and IAN was statistically significant (P = 0.001). The cortical plates were perforated in 75% of cases with JAR as opposed to 45% of cases without JAR (P = 0.06). The relationship between the location of JAR and IAN was also significant (P = 0.004).

 Based on the present results, JAR was associated with IAN in most cases. Thinning of the cortical plates was observed in all cases of JAR.