• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.309-312
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• 2013

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.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.302-314
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• 2023

PURPOSE. The aim of this study was to classify the shapes of retromolar pads and assess their morphometric differences using a 3D model. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Two hundred fully edentulous or Kennedy Class I partially edentulous patients (400 retromolar pads) were enrolled. Scan data of the definitive mandibular casts produced through functional impressions were obtained using a 3D laser scanner. Seven parameters (transverse diameter, longitudinal diameter, transverse-contour length, longitudinal-contour length, longitudinal/transverse diameter ratio, longitudinal/transverse-contour length ratio, and angle of the retromolar pad line to the residual alveolar ridge line) were measured using image analysis software. Subsequently, the pads were classified according to the shape. Statistical analyses were performed using 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS. Classifying the retromolar pads into three shapes led to high intra-examiner reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.933). The pear shape was the most common (56.5%), followed by oval/round (27.7%) and triangular (15.8%) shapes. There were no significant differences between the left and right sides according to the shape and no significant differences in any parameter according to age. The transverse diameter and longitudinal/transverse diameter ratio differed between sexes (P < .05). The triangular shape had a significantly different transverse diameter, transverse-contour length, longitudinal/transverse diameter ratio, and longitudinal/transverse-contour length ratio compared with the pear and oval/round shapes (P < .05). CONCLUSION. From a clinical reliability standpoint, classifying retromolar pads into three shapes (oval/round, pear-shaped, and triangular) is effective. The differences in the sizes among the shapes were attributed to the transverse measurement values.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.186-190
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• 2017

A surgical approach involving the retromolar trigone, posterolateral maxilla, and pterygoid region is the most challenging in the field of maxillofacial surgery. The upper cheek flap (Weber-Ferguson incision) with subciliary extension and the maxillary swing approach have been considered as alternatives; however, neither approach provides sufficient exposure of the pterygoid region and the anterior portion of the mandibular ramus. In this report, we describe two cases in which a lower cheek flap approach was used for complete tumor resection in the retromolar trigone and the anterior mandibular ramus. This approach allows full exposure of the posterolateral maxilla and the pterygoid region as well as the retromolar trigone without causing major sensory disturbances to the lower lip. A mental nerve anastomosis after tumor resection was performed in one patient and resulted in approximately 90% sensory recovery in the lower lip. The lower cheek flap approach provides adequate exposure of the posterolateral maxilla, including the pterygoid, retromolar trigone, and mandibular ramus areas. If the mental nerve can be anastomosed during flap approximation, postoperative sensory disturbances to the lower lip can be minimized.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.333-334
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• 1972

Bolk's so-called retromolar was found on the distal part of the upper third molar of adult male. The molar has a single short root and a tooth crown with five Cusps.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.389-395
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• 1995

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is malignant neoplasm belonging to a group of tumors of salivary gland origin. It is an aggressive tumor characterized by slow growth and incidious destruction of surrounding tissues. Perineural invasion is a prominent feature. Spread to regional lymph node is rare, other than by direct extension. Distant metastasis are more common. We experienced a 65-year old female with adenoid cystic carcinoma of minor salivary gland in retromolar pad.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.79-82
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• 2014

Salivary gland tumors take possession of almost 5% in head and neck malignancies. Among these, mucoepidermoid carcinoma(MEC) is most common malignany in major salivary glands(12-29%) and the parotid gland is most predilection site. Intra-oral MEC has a tendency to various locations, and the predilection sites are palate, cheek, mandible, lip and tongue in order of frequency. A few cases of MEC are occurred in with retromolar trigone, oropharynx, and ectopic salivary gland. Recently, we experienced a-65-year old woman with retromolar trigonal mass, and she was finally diagnosed as MEC. We report it with review of literature.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.64-71
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• 2019

Retromolar pad is one of anatomical landmarks to use clinically for determining of specific occlusal plane level in edentulous patients and is inherently a soft tissue mass; located at the distal end of mandible and should be covered with denture. The shapes of retromolar pad show variability because it might be inevitable to be resultant forms from healing and remodeling process after the extraction of last molars. Considerations would be focused on those resultant shapes and classification with anatomical relationships and clinical significances.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.181-186
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• 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate inter-observer reliability among observers with different levels of proficiency and the diagnostic imaging reliability of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of the retromolar canal. Materials and Methods: CBCT images of 307 patients were assessed for the presence of retromolar canals(RMCs) by 3 observers independently. Diagnoses were made twice by each observer at intervals of more than 3 weeks. Interobserver reliability was assessed using the kappa coefficient. One observer had no experience in diagnosis using CBCT images. Therefore, a specialist in diagnostic imaging explained the CBCT images for interpretation and practiced diagnostic imaging together with this observer, while the other observer interpreted the images independently. Thereafter, the observers re-evaluated the images. Results: The interobserver kappa coefficients (including bilateral RMCs) calculated at the first reading were low, ranging from 0.21 to 0.61. Their values ranged from 0.95 (right side) to 1.00 (left side) after one-on-one practice with a diagnostic imaging specialist, while the values ranged from 0.65 (right side) to 0.66 (left side) without one-on-one practice. Conclusion: Diagnostic accuracy was improved through diagnostic imaging practice. To improve the anatomical interpretation of images, it is important to practice diagnostic imaging with a specialist in diagnostic imaging. One-on-one instruction about diagnostic imaging was an effective method of training.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.233-240
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• 2015

Purpose: This study investigated maxillary third molars and their relation to the maxillary sinus using panoramic radiography and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) Materials and Methods: A total of 395 maxillary third molars in 234 patients were examined using panoramic radiographs and CBCT images. We examined the eruption level of the maxillary third molars, the available retromolar space, the angulation, the relationship to the second molars, the number of roots, and the relationship between the roots and the sinus. Results: Females had a higher frequency of maxillary third molars with occlusal planes apical to the cervical line of the second molar (Level C) than males. All third molars with insufficient retromolar space were Level C. The most common angulation was vertical, followed by buccoangular. Almost all of the Level C molars were in contact with the roots of the second molar. Erupted teeth most commonly had three roots, and completely impacted teeth most commonly had one root. The superimposition of one third of the root and the sinus floor was most commonly associated with the sinus floor being located on the buccal side of the root. Conclusion: Eruption levels were differently distributed according to gender. A statistically significant association was found between the eruption level and the available retromolar space. When panoramic radiographs showed a superimposition of the roots and the sinus floor, expansion of the sinus to the buccal side of the root was generally observed in CBCT images.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.41-51
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• 2005

Statement of problem. Anatomic landmarks have been used in the orientation of occlusal plane and the determination of vertical dimension for edentulous patients. Such as labial vestibules of anterior region and hamular notches, retromolar pads of posterior region are very useful anatomic landmarks for fabrication of occlusion rim because they are to be identified on master casts. Therefore, if average distances between landmarks of maxillae and mandible in dentate subjects are measured and applied, not only occlusal plane but also vertical dimension can be established initially. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to measure vertical distances between anatomic landmarks and to present a guide to the orientation of occlusal plane and the determination of vertical dimension of edentulous patients. Material and method. Upper and lower border-molded casts were made in 93 Korean dentulous subjects, mean age 25 years. Incisal edges of central incisors, bottoms of labial vestibules, hamular notches and the half level of retromolar pads were marked on casts. Measurements of vertical distances from incisal edge of central incisor to the bottom of labial vestibule, between upper and lower bottoms of labial vestibules, from hamular notch to retromolar pad and from hamular notch to the occlusal plane established by the incisal edge of maxillary central incisor and mesiopalatal cusps of both maxillary first molars were made on each cast. Results and conclusion. 1. The mean distance from the incisal edge of central incisor to the bottom of labial vestibule was 20.8mm(SD 1.7) on upper casts and 17.3mm(SD 1.4) on lower casts. 2. The mean distance between both bottoms of labial vestibules of upper and lower casts was 35.0mm(SD 2.7). 3 The mean distance from hamular notch to the half level of retromolar pad was 5.0mm(SD 1.3). 4. The mean distance from hamular notch to occlusal plane was 7.9mm(SD 1.5). 5. Distances from incisal edge of central incisor to labial vestibule on lower casts(P<0.01) and from hamular notch to retromolar pad(P<0.0001) were greater in male than in female.