Observation of bifid mandibular canal using CBCT

SUN Qin; YANG Yong-jin; LI Guang

doi:10.15956/j.cnki.chin.j.conserv.dent.2017.012.007

Abstract：AIM:To observe the bifid mandibular canal (BMC)by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).MOTHODS:600 CBCT images(300 male and 300 female)were observed by using InVivoDental software.To analyze the type and incidence of BMC and to measure the distance from the midpoint of the retormolar foramen to the distal cement-enamal junction(CEJ)of the second molar by using cone beam computed tomography(CBCT) data were analyzed with chi-squared test and t test.RESULTS:BMC was found in 174 of the 600 mandibles and 209 of the 1 200 sides of which 90 were in males and 84 in females (P ＞ 0.05).According to their course direction thehightest incidence of BMC is forward canal (106 sides,48.62％).Among the 600 patients 35 had bilateral BMC,139 had unilateral BMC,of which 67cases on the left side and 72 cases on the fight side(P ＞0.05).The incidence of BMC in 40 to 49 age group is higher than other groups(P ＜0.05).The distance from the central of the retromolar foramen to the distal CEJ of the second molar was(14.67 ± 2.67) mm and there was no statistical diference between 2 sides and between 2 sexs.Trifid mandibular canal was found on 9 single side,the trifid mandibular canal was compromised by retromolar canal and another type of canal.CONCLUSION:The observation suggest that the BMC is not a rare anatomical structure.The hightest incidence of BMC is forward canal.