Radiographic Evaluation of Anterior Loop of Inferior Alveolar Nerve: A Cone-Beam Computer Tomography Study

BACKGROUND: A well awareness of the variation of inferior alveolar canal is mandatory to avoid iatrogenic complication. This study was conducted among 90 patients to determine variation in inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) loop through cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT images of 90 patients were involved in this study. All images were studied by the expert radiologist to see Type I, Type II, and Type III pattern of IAN canal (IANC). Results were subjected to statistical analysis for correct inferences. RESULTS: Forty males and 50 females were included in the study. The difference was statistically nonsignificant (P = 0.5). Type I pattern was seen in 26 patients, Type II in 19, and Type III in 45 patients. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The most prevalent pattern was Type III (males - 15 and females - 30), followed by Type I (males - 14 and females - 12) and Type II (males - 11 and females - 8). There was statistical significance difference between males and females in Type II (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The anterior loop of IAC is quite common and IANC may show variation in structure. The most common pattern recorded was Type III. CBCT is very useful in the detection of IANC.