Relación espacial del conducto mandibular con el tercer molar en tomografías computarizadas de haz cónico. Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Cuenca. Periodo 2017-2023

Abstract

Introduction: The mandibular canal is a very variable anatomical structure in its three-dimensional position with the third molar, due to the neurovascular content, its identification can prevent possible complications such as intraoperative bleeding, an injury to the inferior alveolar nerve and the development of a traumatic neuroma. Objective: To determine the prevalence of the spatial relationship of the mandibular canal with the third molar. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out, which evaluated the CBCT files of the anonymized database of the Department of Imaging of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Cuenca within the period 2017 - 2023. The CBCTs that met the selection criteria were statistically analyzed according to the spatial relationship variable. The CBCTs were examined by the same observer prior to calibration by a specialist in Dental and Maxillofacial Imaging. Results: 325 lower third molars were evaluated. The highest prevalence of the spatial relationship between the lower third molar and the mandibular canal was the caudal relationship without contact in 32.0%, followed by the lingual relationship in contact in 22.2%, buccal in contact in 14.8%, caudal in contact in 12.9%, vestibular without contact in 8.6%, interradicular in contact in 6.8%, lingual without contact in 1.5% and intrarradicular in contact in 1.2%. 28.9% of the third molars presented aberrant canals. Conclusions: The most prevalent spatial relationship between the mandibular canal and the third molar was the non-contact caudal relationship.