Localization of Mandibular Canal Using Orthopantomography in Sudanese Patients.

Abstract

Radiography plays an important role in dentistry especially in localization of the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) where the mandibular nerve bundle passes. it may be damaged during treatment and implants procedure. the importance of the canal measurement arises from many factors where it may be positioned at different locations in the mandible. The researcher studied, localized and assessed the IAC in order to avoid injury during the maxillofacial surgery or during dental implant procedures in both sides of the mandible and in both genders and compared the variables in the Sudanese population with those reported in other nations (Asians) the study was done in the period from November2010 to April 2011. The study consisted 202 OPGs which were collected and analyzed using computer, five measures were selected and studied for right and left side of the jaw for male and female. The distances were measured in millimeters: D1=distance between superior border of MC and 2nd molar,D2= distance between superior border of MC and 2nd premolar,D3= distance from superior border of MC to alveolar bone,D4= height of MC,D5=distance between MC to mandible border. The collected data then correlated with age and gender so as to find the variable with highest correlation coefficient. The results showed that the D1,D 2, D3,D4,D5 were correlated linearly with the age in both gender, and no significant difference were detected when comparing both sides of the mandibles in both gender . Significant differences between males and females measurements were detected and also in the Sudanese and other Asian populations.