Prevalence of juxta-apical radiolucency and its association to inferior alveolar nerve injury during removal of impacted mandibular third molars

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of juxta-apical radiolucency (JAR)- a well-defined area of radiolucency that is apical or lateral to the roots of the lower third molar. , and assessing its association to injury of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) during surgical removal of lower third molars. We evaluated 1250 panoramic radiographs and 1960 third molars for the presence of JAR. The patients were assessed based on the presence or absence of JAR. These were further classified according to the impacted third molar’s angulation in relation to the adjacent second molar. The radiographic relationship of the mandibular canal and third molar was also noted. JAR was identified in 88 patients (4.4%). Out of the 88, 28 (31.8%) were males and 60 (68.1%) were females, which was statistically significant (P<0.02). There also was an association with teeth that were mesioangularly impacted which was not statistically significant. Radiographic signs of proximity to the mandibular canal were present in 48 (54.5%) of JAR cases. One (1.13%) of them reported with inferior alveolar nerve injury after the surgical procedure postoperatively. JAR was prevalent in 4.4% patients.