Investigation of the position and path of the inferior alveolar canal using cone-beam computed tomography in an Iranian population

Dentists should be aware of the position and anatomical path of the inferior alveolar canal (IAC). The aim of this study was to investigate the position and anatomical path of the IAC on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images in an Iranian population.

This retrospective study included 150 CBCT images. The distance of the IAC from the buccal and lingual cortex in the alignment of teeth 4 to 7 and the emerging pattern of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) from the mental foramen were assessed. Using SPSS version 22 software, the role of age, gender, and side of the jaw in the investigated parameters were evaluated by Pearson correlation, independent and paired samples t test, and chi-square test.

The most frequent emerging pattern of the IAN was "sharp turn with 90° angle" (44.7%). The average distance of the IAC from the buccal cortex of the mandible, unlike the lingual cortex, increased in the alignment of teeth 4 to 7 in both genders (P<0.001). The distance of the IAC from the buccal cortex of the mandible in the alignment of teeth 4 to 7 and the lingual cortex in the alignment of tooth 4 and distal of tooth 6 was greater in the men than those in the women (P<0.05). Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference between the two sides of the jaw (P>0.05).

Although the distance of the IAC from cortex was not related to age, it was greater in the men than women. Considering the variations in the IAC path and the IAN emerging patterns, CBCT radiography is suggested in doubtful cases.