Cone Beam Tomography (CBCT) as a Diagnostic Tool to Assess the Relationship between the Inferior Alveolar Nerve and Roots of Mandibular Wisdom Teeth

This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between the mandibular third molar and the mandibular canal by cone-beam computed tomography with coronal and sagittal reconstruction before mandibular third molar surgery. Materials�&�Methods: Fourty seven mandibular third molars in 30 patients were found in close association with the mandibular canal during a panoramic radiographic assessment. The 3-dimensional relationship between the mandibular third molar and the mandibular canal was evaluated in each case by using cone- beam computed tomography. Results: Of the Fourty seven wisdom teeth in close relationship with the mandubibular canal, eight mandibular canals were buccal to the third molars, eleven were lingual, 21 were inferior, and seven were between the roots. CBCT was more accurate than panoramic radiographs in demonstrating the presence or absence of cortical bone separating the root and the nerve. Conclusion: Cone Beam Computed Tomography provides useful information regarding the 3-dimensional relationship between the mandibular third molar and the mandibular canal. Thus it can be used for risk assessment and planning of the surgical procedure.