Panoramic radiographs underestimate extensions of the anterior loop and mandibular incisive canal.
10.5624/isd.2016.46.3.159
- Author:
Ana Caroline Ramos de BRITO
1
;
Yuri NEJAIM
;
Deborah Queiroz de FREITAS
;
Christiano de OLIVEIRA SANTOS
Author Information
1. Department of Oral Diagnosis, Division of Oral Radiology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. acarolinerb@hotmail.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Radiography, Panoramic;
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography;
Mandible;
Anatomic Variation
- MeSH:
Anatomic Variation;
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography;
Humans;
Mandible;
Radiography, Panoramic
- From:Imaging Science in Dentistry
2016;46(3):159-165
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to detect the anterior loop of the mental nerve and the mandibular incisive canal in panoramic radiographs (PAN) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, as well as to determine the anterior/mesial extension of these structures in panoramic and cross-sectional reconstructions using PAN and CBCT images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Images (both PAN and CBCT) from 90 patients were evaluated by 2 independent observers. Detection of the anterior loop and the incisive canal were compared between PAN and CBCT. The anterior/mesial extension of these structures was compared between PAN and both cross-sectional and panoramic CBCT reconstructions. RESULTS: In CBCT, the anterior loop and the incisive canal were observed in 7.7% and 24.4% of the hemimandibles, respectively. In PAN, the anterior loop and the incisive canal were detected in 15% and 5.5% of cases, respectively. PAN presented more difficulties in the visualization of structures. The anterior/mesial extensions ranged from 0.0 mm to 19.0 mm on CBCT. PAN underestimated the measurements by approximately 2.0 mm. CONCLUSION: CBCT appears to be a more reliable imaging modality than PAN for preoperative workups of the anterior mandible. Individual variations in the anterior/mesial extensions of the anterior loop of the mental nerve and the mandibular incisive canal mean that is not prudent to rely on a general safe zone for implant placement or bone surgery in the interforaminal region.
