Evaluation Of The Incidence And Dimensions Of The Mandibular Incisive Canal - Aspects Of Implantological Treatment Planning

Background. Development of CBCT has enabled more precise diagnostics before dental implant insertion in the area of maxilla and mandible. The prevalence of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has allowed visualizing very detailed anatomical structures, which are less visible by means of classical RTG projections. Mandibular incisive canal (canalis alveolaris anterior inferior) is one of them.Objectives. The aim of the study is a radiometric evaluation of the occurrence of mandibular incisive canal and its dimensions.Material and Methods. One hundred scans of CBCT performed in the Department of Oral Surgery at the Medical University of Warsaw were analyzed. Tomography images of 55 women and 45 men were examined. The frequency of occurrence, symmetry, the length of the canal, dimensions forward to the mental foramen, minimal distance to the root apices and minimal distance to the alveolar edge were assessed.Results. The analysis has revealed the frequency of the occurrence exceeding 85%. Furthermore, the wide variety of topography and its dimensions was revealed. The length of the canal differs significantly from 1.6 mm to 30.5 mm (SD = 6.36). Although the topography is also changeable, it is generally running by the vestibular dense lamina of the body of mandible and approximating to the lingual side. The lack of symmetry is also noticeable. In some cases it is possible to detect only one mandibular incisive canal - left or right (8% of cases).Conclusions. Radiometric evaluation revealed considerable variety of the anatomy of mandibular incisive canal, both dimensions and symmetry as well as topography. Due to the substantial frequency of appearance of mandibular incisive canal, thorough diagnostics for implantation procedures in the lower anterior mandible and bone grafting from this region is recommended. Scrupulous diagnostics by means of CBCT allows avoiding threatening periprocedural and post-procedural complications