Study of the Inferior Alveolar Canal and Impacted Lower Third Molars
Author Information
Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Pogorzelska Anna, Mielczarek Agnieszka, Regulski Piotr A, Lee Mike, Szopinski Kazimierz
Primary Institution: Medical University of Warsaw
Hypothesis
What is the relationship between the course of the inferior alveolar canal and impacted lower third molars?
Conclusion
The study found that 88.57% of impacted molars were in direct contact with the inferior alveolar canal, highlighting the importance of cone-beam computed tomography for surgical planning.
Supporting Evidence
- The most common type of impaction was mesioangular, two-rooted molars.
- Single-rooted and distoangularly impacted molars were more common in older patients.
- There was a significant relationship between the number of roots and the canal running between the roots.
Takeaway
This study looked at how the nerve canal relates to wisdom teeth that are stuck. It found that most of these teeth are very close to the nerve, which is important to know before surgery.
Methodology
Cone-beam computed tomography imaging was used to evaluate 103 patients with 140 impacted lower third molars.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to CBCT imaging being indicated only when a close relationship between the canal and tooth is found in panoramic imaging.
Limitations
The study had a relatively small sample size and was limited to a specific geographic and demographic group.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 34.4 years, with 39 males and 61 females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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