Mandibular canal measurements in relation to the lower first molar and base border of the mandible

Abstract

The mandibular canal appears below or superimposed over the apices of the
mandibular molar teeth but it has some variations regarding its distance to both lower
first molar and the base border of the mandible that may make a problem specially for
the oral surgeon in his work during operations like implantation, so, this study was
done to estimate the position of the mandibular canal and its relation to the lower first
molar and the base border of the mandible by the aid of digital panoramic
radiographs.
The sample of this study was collected from patients who attended Al-Karama
specialized center for dentistry. Forty patients were selected in this study with the age
range between 20-60 years (males and females) that divided in to four groups
according to a special criteria. Forty digital views (OPG) were taken for Iraqi patients,
using computerized digital panoramic x-ray machine. All radiographs were examined
and then the position of the mandibular canal for each patient was estimated.
The results revealed that the mandibular canal is most commonly located away
from the root apices of lower first molar, and the distance between the mandibular
canal and the base border of the mandible is indirectly proportional with age.