Anatomical relationship of the mandibular canal and root apices: CBCT analysis in a Guatemalan population

Abstract

Introduction: the anatomical proximity of the mandibular canal and the roots of mandibular posterior teeth poses a risk of injury during various dental procedures in that region. Objective: the aim of the study was to evaluate the anatomic relationship between the mandibular canal and the root apices of mandibular premolars and molars in
a Guatemalan population. Material and methods: the distances from the mandibular canal to the root apices and their buccolingual relationship were evaluated. 172 cone-beam computed tomographies (CBCT) were studied. The distances were measured in millimeters from the mandibular canal to the apices of second premolars, the
mesial and distal root of first molars, and the mesial and distal root of second molars. The buccolingual position of the mandibular canal in relation to the apices was classified as 1 = buccal; 2 = central; 3 = lingual. Results: it was determined that the mandibular canal is closer
to the apices of distal roots of second molars, with a mean distance of 2.82 mm. Besides, it was observed that the mandibular canal is found, in greater proportion, in a lingual position at the level of the first and second mandibular molar and adopts a buccal position at the level of the second mandibular premolar. Conclusions: this study shows that the closest distances to the mandibular canal are at the level of the second molars and that the mandibular canal changes position from lingual to buccal in its posterior-anteriorpath.