Journal of implantology and applied sciences ISSN:2765-7833(Print) 2765-7841(Online) 대한구강악안면임플란트학회지

Purpose : The location of the mandibular canal is must be determined before performing implant surgery and other proce dures. This study was undertaken to identify the running patterns of mandibular canals in the Korean population using a 3- dimensional reconstructed computed tomographic(CT) image. Materials and methods : CT images of 30 patients were included in the investigation. The vertical and bucco-lingual positions of the mandibular canals were identified under each premolar and molar, and the location of the mental foramen and the anterior extension of the anterior loop were measured using 3-D CT reconstruction software. The vertical position of the canal and mental foramen were measured from the CEJ of the tooth to the upper border of the structure. Results : The mean lengths between the cement-enamel junction of the tooth and the canal were 19.94, 19.07, 17.82, and 15.75mm under the first and second premolars and the first and second molars. Most of the canals were located at the lingual aspect under the molars, and at the buccal aspect under the 1st premolar. The average vertical location of the mental foramen was 15.37mm from the CEJ, and had an average diameter of 2.32mm. The mean length of the anterior loop was found to be 4.23mm. Conclusion : In most subjects, the vertical position of the mandibular canal was closer to the molars than the premolars. The running pattern of the mandibular canal from the molar region to the premolar region tended to be from the lingual to the buccal aspect of the mandible. The mental foramen was located superior to the canal, and the anterior loop extended anteriorly in various lengths.