Inferior alveolar nerve canal position in relation to mandibular molars: A cone-beam computed tomography study

OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to prevent the risk of iatrogenic injuries to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) canal associated with various surgical interventions in the area of mandibular molars, by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present retrospective study was carried out by using CBCT of 100 patients between 18 and 40 years of age group. The linear measurements were made in relation to the 1(st) and 2(nd) mandibular molars on both the sides. Linear distances between buccal and lingual aspects to the mandibular, buccal, and lingual cortical bone thickness; IAN canal diameter; and the superior corticated border of the IAN canal from the periapex of the 1(st) and 2(nd) mandibular molars. The statistical evaluation was done using SPSS V.20 (SPSS: an IBM company), and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Both genders of all age groups showed statistically significant result (P < 0.00). All the linear measurements were statistically significant in relation to both the 1(st) and 2(nd) mandibular molars (P < 0.005), and also the bilateral comparison of the linear measurements showed statistically significant difference in relation to the mandibular 2(nd) molar (P < 0.03) and 1(st) molar (P < 0.04) among both the sexes. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be aware of the proximity of root apices and cortical plates to the mandibular canal when performing surgical and root canal procedures in the posterior mandible to avoid serious nerve injuries.