Investigation of bifid mandibular canal frequency with cone beam computed tomography in a Turkish population

Abstract

Objectives:It is important to know anatomic location and variations of the mandibular canal (MC) for surgical treatment onmandible such as implant operations, impacted molar tooth extraction and sagittal split ramus osteotomy. The purpose of our studyis to determine the configuration and incidence of bifid mandibular canal (BMC) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: CBCT scans of 2000 patients were retrospectively analysed. Age and gender of the patients who were includedin this study were recorded. BMC was subdivided, frequency was determined. Measurements of mean lengths, superior andinferior angles were performed. The all measurements were performed by one observer in 3 times at intervals of one weekto confirm intra-observer reliability. SPSS 21 (Statistical Package for Social Science 21) was used for statistical analysis. It wasbenefited from Chi-square test to investigate qualitative observation and from T test and one-way analysis of variance forinvestigation of quantative observation. Differences were considered significant at p