Cone beam computed tomographic analysis of human mandibular posterior region

Abstract

The aim of this study was to use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in analysis of mandibular posterior area before endodontic surgery. One hundred and seventy CBCT scans were used to evaluate the measurements. Bone and root thickness were measured at the preferred resection site (3 mm). Also, mandibular canal and mental foramen location, superior-inferior dimension and bucco-lingual dimension of mandibular canal, proximity of mandibular canal to teeth apices, and the possible differences between males and females were measured The results showed that; the buccal bone was thickest over the distal root of second molar with an average (6.94 mm) and it was the thinnest over the first premolar with an average (1.57). It also found that the largest root thickness was the mesial root of first molar with an average (5.23 mm) and second premolar was the smallest with an average (3.69 mm). When combining the buccal bone thickness and root thickness, it reflects the total area that should be removed during apicectomy and it was the largest related to the mesial and distal roots of second molar and the smallest in relation to first premolar. Lingual bone thickness was thinnest in relation to mesial and distal roots of second molar, while it was thickest over the first premolar. Mandibular canal was closely related to distal root of second molar and it was the farthest from the mesial root of first molar. Also it was directed buccal to roots of second molar then lingual to mesial and distal roots of first molar in the majority of cases and finally it moves toward the buccal aspect of the mandible, where it finally emerges through the mental foramen. Mental foramen was located between first and second premolars in most of cases followed by the location inferior to second premolar.