Assessment of the relationship between the mandibular third molar and the mandibular canal using panoramic radiograph and cone beam computed tomography

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to evaluate the position of the mandibular canal in relation to the mandibular third molar by cone beam CT in cases showing a close relationship between the third molar and the mandibular canal on the panoramic radiograph. Materials and Methods : The panoramic images and cone beam CT scans of 87 impacted mandibular third molars in 60 patients were evaluated to assess the tooth relationship to the mandibular canal. The clearness of the canal wall and the vertical depth of the lower third molar were evaluated on panoramic radiographs. The lower third molars were assessed using cone beam CT to determine the proximity and position of the canal relative to the roots. Results : In the 66 cases where the canal wall was unclear on the panoramic radiographs, 58 (87.9%) of the third molars had contact between the canal and root; 34 (51.5%) canals were showed an inferior position and 22 (33.3%) showed a linguoinferior position on cone beam CT. Conclusion : Interruption of the canal wall on panoramic radiographs was highly predictive of contact between the mandibular canal and the third molar. Cross sectional CT may be indicated for localization of the mandibular canal in such cases.