Anatomy of the mandibular canal and surrounding structures: Part I: Morphology of the superior wall of the mandibular canal

Abstract

Introduction: Previous studies of the mandibular canal (MC) have raised questions about the structure of its superior wall that have not been answered. The goal of this anatomical and radiological study was to investigate how CBCT imaging could predict the structure of the superior wall of the MC.

Methods: Twenty sides from ten dry mandibles derived from six females and four males were used for this study. The mandibles were examined with CBCT. The specimens were then prepared by the methods of our previous study and observed inferiorly. The inferior views were classified into four groups by gross observation of the surface of the superior wall of the MC: class I (trabecular pattern), class II (osteoporotic pattern), class III (dense/irregular pattern), and class IV (smooth pattern). Coronal section CBCT images were classed according to whether the superior wall of the MC was visible.

Results: Class I was most common in dentulous sections in both genders, and class IV was most common class in edentulous sections in both genders. The superior wall was visible in 59.1% in dentulous and 84.9% in edentulous sections, and non-visible in the remainder.

Conclusion: Tooth presence and sex are important factors influencing the superior wall of the MC. When the superior wall cannot be seen on CBCT, it is more likely to belong to class II (osteoporotic) than other classes.

Keywords: Anatomy; Cadaver; Cone beam computed tomography; Edentulous; Inferior alveolar nerve; Mandibular canal; Osteoporosis.