Background: The relationship between the inferior alveolar nerve and the root apices of the mandibular molars and premolars is of clinical importance. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the mandibular canal (MC) and the mandibular molar root apices using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning among residents of the Moscow population.
Materials and methods: Three hundred CBCT scans for patients aged 20-70 years were analyzed. Patients were divided into three age groups: young group (20-44 years), middle-age group (45-59 years), and elderly group (60-70). The distance from the MC and the mandibular molar root apices was measured in each group in the coronal view of CBCT scans. Statistical analysis was set on P < 0.05.
Results: The mean distance from the mesial root apices of the first, second, and third molars to the MC was 4.92, 2.85, and 2.24 mm, respectively. The distal root showed to be the closest root to the MC in multirooted teeth. The young age group showed smaller distances to MC than other age groups (P < 0.05). Females showed smaller distances to MC in mandibular molars than males (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: The distance between the root apices and the MC has to be taken into consideration when performing surgical or endodontic procedures.
Keywords: Cone-beam computed tomography; inferior alveolar nerve; injuries; mandible; molar.
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