Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, KD Dental College, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
*Corresponding author: Dr. Deepti Bhardwaj, Post graduate student, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, K.D. Dental College and Hospital, NH#2; Chattikara; 281001 Mathura, Uttar Pradesh India, Email id: diptibhrdwj@gmail.com, Telephone no: +91 9997330947.
Online published on 11 April, 2014.
Majority of surgical procedures in the mandibular region requires a new perspective into anatomical landmarks such as the mandibular canal and its radiographic aspect hence the present study is aimed to determine the incidence and prevalence of bifid mandibular canals using digital panoramic images.
1500 digital panoramic radiographs from March 2010 to October 2010 were included in this study. The digital panoramic images were evaluated retrospectively for the presence and configuration of bifid mandibular canal using Nortje´ et al classification.
Out of 1500 panoramic radiographs, 398 panoramic radiographs demonstrated a bifid mandibular canal. The prevalence of bifid mandibular canal was higher in males (15.33%) and on the left side (6.47%). The prevalence rate Type IV canal was 7.87% which was more as compared to Type I, Type II and Type III bifid mandibular canal.
The prevalence of bifid mandibular canal, 26.53% was found in our study which was higher in comparison to previous studies. However further studies are required with advanced technologies like Cone Beam CT images are required to evaluate the incidence and configuration of bifid mandibular canals.
Mandibular canal, Bifid canal, Digital panoramic radiography
