Morphometric analysis of mandibular canal course and position in relation to gender and age of Iraqi sample using digital panoramic imaging

The knowledge of the course and position of the mandibular canal in relation to anatomical landmarks of the jaw is of great importance in certain dental interventions; therefore it involves preservation of the anatomic structures that pass through it. Morphometric study by means of digital panoramic radiography reveals the differences and inherent alterations between genders or ages, it has become a useful tool in research that analyzes the craniofacial complex development process, which are important for planning the dental, clinical and surgical procedures. The aim of the study was undertaken to analyze mandibular canal morphology and position along its course and its relation to mandibular anatomical landmarks by using digital panoramic radiography. Materials and Methods: 300 subjects, (150 male and 150 female) were examined, age distribution of them was ranging between (20-49) years old, factors considered included the age and sex of the patients. Ten linear vertical measurements were performed on the radiographic image of each subject on both right and left sides of the mandible (600) sides, to evaluate the position of the mandibular canal along its course. The relation of proximity between the mandibular canal and the roots of the mandibular posterior teeth were also evaluated. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in six of the linear measurements between genders, males almost have higher measurements than females. However, no significant linear trend was evident between age groups of the same gender for any of the measurements. The most frequent position of the mental foramen was between the two mandibular premolars, the mandibular canal presented a relation of proximity to the roots of the mandibular third molar, moving gradually away from the roots of the other posterior teeth. Conclusion: the measurements related to the mandibular canal performed in this study can be influenced by the gender but are independent of age.