Relationship between the location of the mandibular canal and the facial biotype in panoramic radiographs

Abstract

Lesions of the inferior alveolar nerve during dental and surgical procedures can be avoided with knowledge of the anatomical location of the mandibular canal in relation to the roots apex of the permanent molars. The shape, size and symmetry of the craniofacial structures vary depending on the biotype face. In dentistry, the verification of different facial patterns is important for treatment planning in several clinical areas. Objective: To assess the location of the mandibular canal and correlate it with the facial biotype and gender of the individual. In addition, we will evaluate the presence of anterior extension of the mandibular canal and correlate it with the facial biotype and gender of the individual. Materials and methods: will be evaluated 600 panoramic radiographs distributed according to gender and facial biotype totally dentate and aged 18-51 years. The determination of facial biotype will be held on panoramic radiographs by Tatis analysis, evaluating the square of the glenoid fossa, the maxillary-mandibular angle and mandibular angle deflection on ImageLab2000 ® software. These individuals present their mandibular canal bilaterally measured and classified according to their location relative to the root apex of the mandibular molars and the mandibular base on panoramic radiographs. To implement this classification, measurements of the distance from the mandibular canal to the apices of the teeth and jaw will be made based on the Software ImageLab 2000 ®. To assess the anterior extent of mandibular canal will be measured, when present, the distance (in mm) of extension anterior to the apex of the lower central and lateral incisors. The intra-observer reproducibility of measurements on radiographs will be evaluated using the coefficient of variation. The data will be tabulated and submitted to the Kruskal-Wallis test, with the help of BioEstat 5.0 (Mamiramuá Foundation, Bethlehem, PA). Expected results: it is believed that the position of the mandibular canal varies according to the type of the subjects face (faces long, medium or short).