• 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.

• 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.53 no.2
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• pp.137-144
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the anatomic circle around the impacted lower third molar to show, document, and correlate essential findings that should be included in the routine radiographic assessment protocol as clinically meaningful factors in overall case evaluation and treatment planning. Materials and Methods: Cone-beam computed tomographic images of impacted lower third molars were selected according to specific inclusion criteria. Impacted teeth were classified according to their position before assessment. The adjacent second molars were assessed for distal caries, distal bone loss, and root resorption. The fourth finding was the presence of a retromolar canal distal to the impaction. Communication with the dentist responsible for each case was done to determine whether these findings were detected or undetected by them before communication. Results: Statistically significant correlations were found between impaction position, distal bone loss, and detected distal caries associated with the adjacent second molar. The greatest percentage of undetected findings was found in the evaluation of distal bone status, followed by missed detection of the retromolar canal. Conclusion: The radiographic assessment protocol for impacted third molars should consider a step-by-step evaluation for second molars, and clinicians should be aware of the high prevalence of second molar affection in horizontal and mesioangular impactions. They also should search for the retromolar canal due to its associated clinical considerations.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.229-236
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• 2014

Purpose: To investigate the prevalence of bifid and trifid mandibular canals using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, and to measure their length, diameter, and angle. Materials and Methods: CBCT images of 500 patients, involving 755 hemi-mandibles, were used for this study. The presence and type of bifid mandibular canal was evaluated according to a modified classification of Naitoh et al. Prevalence rates were determined according to age group, gender, and type. Further, their diameter, length, and angles were measured using PACSPLUS Viewer and ImageJ 1.46r. Statistical analysis with chi-squared and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests was performed. Results: Bifid and trifid mandibular canals were found in 22.6% of the 500 patients and 16.2% of the 755 sides. There was no significant difference between genders and among age groups. The retromolar canal type accounted for 71.3% of the identified canals; the dental canal type, 18.8%; the forward canal type, 4.1%; and the trifid canal type, 5.8%. Interestingly, seven cases of the trifid canal type, which has been rarely reported, were observed. The mean diameter of the bifid and trifid mandibular canals was 2.2 mm and that of the main mandibular canal was 4.3 mm. Their mean length was 16.9 mm; the mean superior angle was $149.2^{\circ}$, and the mean inferior angle was $37.7^{\circ}$. Conclusion: Bifid and trifid mandibular canals in the Korean population were observed at a relatively high rate through a CBCT evaluation, and the most common type was the retromolar canal. CBCT is suggested for a detailed evaluation of bifid and trifid mandibular canals before mandibular surgery.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.4-11
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• 2010

Purpose: This study aimed at examining the thickness of lateral cortical bone in the mandibular posterior body and the location of the inferior alveolar nerve canal as well as investigating the clinically viable bone grafting site(s) and proper thickness of the bone grafts. Subjects and Methods: The study enrolled a total of 49 patients who visited the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Kyung Hee University Dental Hospital to have their lower third molar extracted and received cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examinations. Their CBCT data were used for the study. The thickness of lateral cortical bone and the location of inferior alveolar nerve canal were each measured from the buccal midpoint of the patients' lower first molar to the mandibular ramus area in the occlusal plane of the molar area. Results: Except in the external oblique ridge and alveolar ridge, all measured areas exhibited the greatest cortical bone thickness near the lower second molar area and the smallest cortical bone thickness in the retromolar area. The inferior alveolar nerve canal was found to be located in the innermost site near the lower second molar area compared to other areas. In addition, the greatest thickness of the trabecular bone was found between the inferior alveolar nerve canal and the lateral cortical bone. Conclusions: In actual clinical settings involving bone harvesting in the posterior mandibular body, clinicians are advised to avoid locating the osteotomy line in the retromolar area to help protect the inferior alveolar nerve canal from damage. Harvesting the bone near the lower second molar area is judged to be the proper way of securing cortical bone with the greatest thickness.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.53-60
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• 2014

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate the incidence and configuration of the bifid mandibular canal in a Korean population by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. Materials and Methods: CBCT images of 1933 patients (884 male and 1049 female) were evaluated using PSR-9000N and Alphard-Vega 3030 Dental CT units (Asahi Roentgen Ind. Co., Ltd, Kyoto, Japan). Image analysis was performed by using OnDemand3D software (CyberMed Inc., Seoul, Korea). The bifid mandibular canal was identified and classified into four types, namely, the forward canal, buccolingual canal, dental canal, and retromolar canal. Statistical analysis was performed by using the chi-squared test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Bifid mandibular canals were observed in 198 (10.2%) of 1933 patients. The most frequently observed type of bifid mandibular canal was the retromolar canal (n=104, rate: 52.5%) without any significant difference among the incidence of each age and gender. The mean diameter of the accessory canal was 1.27 mm (range: 0.27-3.29 mm) without any significant difference among the mean diameter of each type of the bifid mandibular canal. The mean length of the bifid mandibular canals was 14.97mm(range: 2.17-38.8 mm) with only a significant difference between the dental canal and the other types. Conclusion: The bifid mandibular canal is not uncommon in Koreans and has a prevalence of 10.2% as indicated in the present study. It is suggested that a CBCT examination be recommended for detecting a bifid canal.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.52 no.12
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• pp.753-761
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• 2014

Purpose: This study was performed to examine distribution of accessory mandibular canal and its characteristics in mandibular third molars. Materials and methods: A total of 251 subjects (166 males and 85 females) having mandibular third molars bilaterally were included in the study. Cone-beam computed tomographic images were reviewed for bifid or trifid accessory mandibular canal. The prevalence of accessory mandibular canal was evaluated according to gender, side and its branching type. Proximity and crosssectional position of accessory mandibular canal to mandibular third molar was analyzed. Results: Accessory mandibular canals were found in 66 (26.3%) of 251 patients and 86 (17.1%) of 502 hemi-mandibles. Gender and sides showed no statistically significant differences in prevalence. Retromolar canal (46.1%) was the most common branching type. Proximity of accessory canal to mandibular third molars showed mean distance of 2.8 mm from third molar and a statistically significant difference was found among types of accessory canal. Dental canal was the closest to tooth among branching types and closer to tooth than main canal. On cross-sectional view, accessory canal was generally located on buccal side of mandibular third molar. Conclusion: Accessory mandibular canal was common and well detected with cone-beam computed tomography. Their localization is significant in all anesthetic and surgical procedures involving mandibular third molars.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.57-62
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• 2016

Fusion is an abnormality of tooth development defined as the union of two developing dental germs, resulting in a single large dental structure. This irregular tooth morphology is associated with a high predisposition to dental caries and periodontal diseases. As a result of recurring inflammatory periodontal processes, disorders such as periodontal pocket, pericoronitis, and paradental cysts may develop. A rare mandibular anatomic variation is the retromolar canal, which is very significant for surgical procedures. The fusion of a paramolar and mandibular third molar associated with a paradental cyst co-occurring with the presence of a retromolar canal is rare, and the aim of the present study is to describe the evaluation of this anatomical configuration using cone-beam computed tomography.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.217-222
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• 2021

Ewing sarcoma in the head and neck is rare, and metastasis from other bones to the mandible accounts for 0.7% of cases. This report presents a case of oral metastasis in a 24-year-old male patient diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma of the femur (p53 gene mutation and EWSR1-ERG fusion). The chief complaint was numbness in the mandible and pain for 1 month and a hardened, ulcerated exophytic lesion in the right retromolar region. Imaging exams revealed an unspecified thinning of the cortical bone of the inferior alveolar canal in the right mandibular ramus, associated with erosion of the alveolar bone. Histopathological analysis confirmed metastasis of Ewing sarcoma. The patient presented an aggressive disease progression and died 1 month after the oral diagnosis. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms compatible with rare clinical outcomes, leading to an early diagnosis that can improve patients' quality of life and survival.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.231-239
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• 2012

Objectives: This study sought to provide guidelines in order to decrease the incidence of nerve injury during mandibular ramus bone harvesting, and to improve understanding of the anatomical structure of the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) to include its distance from the exterior buccal cortex. Materials and Methods: In January and February 2009, 20 patients who visited the Wonkwang University Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery reporting various conditions underwent cone beam computed tomography and were included in this study. Patients with missing left or right mandibular first molars or incisors, or who had jaw fracture or bone pathologies, were excluded. The reference point (R point) was defined as the point where the occlusal plane reached the anterior ramus of the mandible. The position of the IAC in relation to the R point, the buccal bone width (BW), the alveolar crest distance (ACD), the distance from the alveolar crest to the occlusal plane (COD), and the distance from the IAC to the sagittal plane (CS) were determined using proprietary image analysis software which produced cross-sectional coronal and axial images. Results: The distance medially from the R point to the IAC along the axial plane was $6.19{\pm}1.21mm$. The HD from the R point, posteriorly to IAC, in the lateral view was $13.07{\pm}2.45mm$, the VD from the R point was $14.24{\pm}2.41mm$, and the ND from the R point was $10.12{\pm}1.76mm$. The pathway of the IAC was positioned almost in a straight line along a sagittal plane within $0.56{\pm}0.70mm$. The distance from the buccal bone surface to the IAC increased anteriorly from the R point. Conclusion: Marking osteotomy lines in the retromolar area in procedures involving bone harvesting should be discouraged due to the risk of damage to IAC structures. Our measurements indicated that the area from the R point in the ramus of the mandible to 10 mm anterior can be safely harvested for bone grafting purposes.