Análisis del espacio retromolar mandibular y sus factores asociados en tomografías computarizadas de haz cónico obtenidas de pacientes atendidos en el Centro Radiológico Scanner Cuenca, Cuenca- Ecuador en el periodo noviembre 2021- junio 2023

Abstract

Background: Identification of anatomical boundaries in the mandible is crucial for successful distalization to minimize undesirable side effects. Previous studies on the mandibular retromolar space relied on panoramic or cephalometric radiographs assuming that the anterior border of the mandibular ramus was the posterior anatomical limit for molar distalization. However, recent research demonstrates that the mentioned limit is the internal cortical of the mandible. Objective: This study aimed to determine the dimensions of the mandibular retromolar space and its associated factors using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images obtained from patients treated at the "Scanner Cuenca" radiological center in Cuenca, Ecuador, from November 2021 to June 2023. Materials and Methods: CBCT images of 51 patients with skeletal malocclusion were analyzed, measuring the distance from the distal root of the right mandibular second molar to the internal cortical in four different planes. These measurements were compared with sociodemographic variables. Results: No significant differences were found in terms of age, sex, and vertical pattern; however, a statistically significant difference (p=0.034) was observed in the measured distance in the cusp-line, specifically in the furcation level plane, highlighting the importance of this measurement for each patient using CBCT. Conclusions: Skeletal Class II showed smaller dimensions in the retromolar space compared to Classes I and III, indicating a reduction in the retromolar space in Class II patients