Imaging Science in Dentistry

Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (대한영상치의학회)
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Cone beam CT findings of retromolar canals: Report of cases and literature review

  • Han, Sang-Sun (Department of Dental Hygiene, Eulji University) ;
  • Park, Chang-Seo (Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University)
  • Received : 2013.02.24
  • Accepted : 2013.04.30
  • Published : 2013.12.31
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Abstract

A retromolar canal is an anatomical variation in the mandible. As it includes the neurovascular bundle, local anesthetic insufficiency can occur, and an injury of the retromolar canal during dental surgery in the mandible may result in excessive bleeding, paresthesia, and traumatic neuroma. Using imaging analysis software, we evaluated the cone-beam computed tomography (CT) images of two Korean patients who presented with retromolar canals. Retromolar canals were detectable on the sagittal and cross-sectional images of cone-beam CT, but not on the panoramic radiographs of the patients. Therefore, the clinician should pay particular attention to the identification of retromolar canals by preoperative radiographic examination, and additional cone beam CT scanning would be recommended.

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References

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