Assessment of the anterior loop of the mandibular canal: A study using cone-beam computed tomography.
- Author:
Eduarda Helena Leandro DO NASCIMENTO
1
;
Maria Luiza DOS ANJOS PONTUAL
;
Andréa DOS ANJOS PONTUAL
;
Danyel Elias DA CRUZ PEREZ
;
José Natal FIGUEIROA
;
Marco Antônio Gomes FRAZÃO
;
Flávia Maria de Moraes RAMOS-PEREZ
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: Anatomic Variation; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Mandible
- MeSH: Anatomic Variation; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography*; Dental Implants; Humans; Linear Models; Male; Mandible; Prevalence
- From:Imaging Science in Dentistry 2016;46(2):69-75
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: PURPOSE: Sufficient area in the interforaminal region is required for dental implant placement, and the anterior loop of the mandibular canal is located within the limits of this area. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and extent of the anterior loop in a Brazilian sample population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT images from 250 patients (500 hemimandibles) obtained for various clinical indications were randomly selected and evaluated to determine the presence and length of the anterior loop. The length of the anterior loop was then compared based on gender, age, and the side of the mandible. The data were analyzed using the Pearson chi-square test and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: An anterior loop was identified in 41.6% of the cases, and its length ranged from 0.25 mm to 4.00 mm (mean, 1.1±0.8 mm). The loop had a greater mean length and was significantly more prevalent in males (p=0.014). No significant differences were found between the right and left sides regarding length (p=0.696) or prevalence (p=0.650). CONCLUSION: In this study, a high prevalence of the anterior loop of the mandibular canal was found, and although its length varied greatly, in most cases it was less than 1 mm long. Although this is a prevalent anatomical variation, safety limits for the placement of implants in this region cannot be established before an accurate evaluation using imaging techniques in order to identify and preserve the neurovascular bundles.
