OBJECTIVEThis study was conducted to determine the three-dimensional structure, course, and adjacent structure of the mandibular incisive canal (MIC) to ensure safety of dental implantation by cone beam CT (CBCT).

METHODSThe CBCT images of the bilateral mandibles of 80 patients were retrospectively studied. The diameters of the mandibular incisive canal and the location in the adjacent structure were determined, including the distances between the MIC and the buccal and lingual plates of the alveolar bone, the inferior border of the mandible and the tooth apex, and the horizontal plane of the mental foramen.

RESULTSApproximately 78.75% (63 cases) of the CBCT scans showed the presence of the MIC with a mean diameter of 1.21 mm +/- 0.29 mm. The distances from the canal to the inferior border of the mandible and to the tooth apex were 7.82 mm +/- 1.86 mm and 7.24 mm +/- 2.82 mm, respectively. The distances between the canal and the buccal plate as well as between the canal and the lingual plate of the alveolar bone were 3.80 mm +/- 1.37 mm and 4.45 mm +/- 1.34 mm, respectively. The distance from the canal to the horizontal plane of the mental foramen was 5.62 mm +/- 2.21 mm.

CONCLUSIONCBCT could clearly show the three-dimensional structure, course, and adjacent structure of the MIC. Therefore, this technique could provide guidance for dental implantation in clinical applications.