Avaliação tridimensional da relação do canal mandibular com a posição radicular do terceiro molar mandibular

Abstract

The intimate relation between the mandibular canal and the root position of the mandibular third molar presents as a surgical challenge in terms of anatomical relation. This retrospective and observational study aims to define the three-dimensional radiographic pattern of the mandibular canal relation to the root position of the mandibular third molar through a Cone-Beam Computed Tomography analysis. This study assessed 45 mandibular thirds molars of 28 individuals and the following variables: number of roots, curvature and the existence of root fusion, the relationship with the mandibular canal in the cranio-caudal and bucco-lingual direction, as well as the existence of direct contact between the tooth and the mandibular canal. The diameter of the canal and location in relation to the roots of the third molar were also determined. The results showed that the mean distance of the mandibular canal to the lower cortical was 10,39 ± 2,89 mm; the distance from the mandibular canal to the lingual cortical resulted in a mean value of 2,25 ± 1,09 mm; the distance from the mandibular canal to the buccal cortical had a mean value of 3,64 ± 1,35 and the distance from the mandibular canal to the roots obtained a mean value of 1,85 ± 1,47 mm. The average diameter of the mandibular canal obtained was 3,23 ± 0,53 mm. As for the location of the canal in relation to the roots, twenty-four cases (53,3%) with a buccal location, thirteen cases (28,9%) with lingual location and eight cases (17,8%) with a lower location to the root were observed. In short, the mandibular canal is mainly in a buccal position in relation to the roots of mandibular third molar and assumes a lingual position on the mandibular bone. The proximity of the root apex to the canal assumes importance in planning the third molar extraction.

Date of Award	14 Sept 2016
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Tiago Borges (Supervisor) & Bruno Almeida (Co-Supervisor)