Diagnostic value of routine dental radiographs for predicting the mandibular canal localization validated by cone‐beam computed tomogram measurements

OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that routine dental radiographs can be used to draw conclusions regarding the mandibular canal (MC) localization. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 108 radiographs (36 orthopantomograms [OPTs], 36 lateral cephalograms [LCs], and 36 cone‐beam computed tomograms [CBCTs]) of 36 patients were analyzed. Statistical analysis included all cephalometric parameters obtained by OPTs, LCs, and CBCTs. Potential influencing parameters were calculated using linear and logistic regression with a backward removal algorithm. For predictability of MC localization, parameters were correlated using Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: The MC ran along the lingual half (n = 24) twice as often as in the buccal half (n = 12) in the population studied. The position was always symmetrical contralaterally. No sex‐specific influence was observed (p = .34). Lingual and buccal MC courses were statistically significantly correlated to increased and decreased jaw angles (LC/OPT), respectively (p = .003; r = −.48/p = .010; r = −.42). An increased jaw angle was significantly correlated with a more cranial MC position (p = .013; r = −.41); a deep and distal bite position was significantly correlated with a caudal and buccal MC position (p = .004; r = −.47/p = .001; r = .57). Moreover, an increase of 1 point in the Hasund score predicted an increased probability of a buccal MC position by 18.6%. The jaw angle analyzed in OPT and LC images were positively correlated (r = .89, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Routine dental radiographs provide informative guidance on the location of the MC in the vertical and transverse levels. This finding could be used in the initial consultation and treatment planning to consider more invasive diagnostic methods further down the line.