Year : 2018

Volume : Volume 9

Issue : Issue 3s

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Rajeeth S Shetty.
rajeeth.shetty@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:  Mandibular canal (MC) or inferior alveolar nerve canal (IANC) is a landmark seen on lingual side of mandible. The present study was conducted to evaluate pattern of inferior alveolar nerve canal in patients requiring surgical procedure. Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted on 86 patients of both genders requiring surgical procedure in mandibular posterior region. A thorough oral examination was performed in all patients. Patients were subjected to panoramic radiography. The occurrence of IANC based on classification given by Nortje et al into type A, B, C and D was evaluated.  Results: Out of 86 patients, males were 46 and females were 40. Type A pattern of IANC was seen in 21 males and 18 females, type B in 15 males and 12 females, type C in 4 males and 3 females, type D was seen in 6 males and 7 females. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). Bifid canal was present n 3 males and 3 females, partial absence of canal was seen in 2 males and 3 females and complete absence of canal was seen on 1 male and 1 female. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). Conclusion: Authors found that in most of the patients, high mandibular canal was obtained. Other variations were bifid canal, partial and complete absence of canals.

Keywords: Bifid canal, mandibular canal, Panoramic radiograph.