Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Assessment of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars in Relation to the Inferior Alveolar Canal: An Observational study

Abstract

Background: Assessment of the relationship between impacted mandibular third molars and the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) is crucial for preoperative planning. Accurate evaluation helps minimize the risk of inferior alveolar nerve injury during extraction and improves surgical safety.

Materials and Methods: The study included 210 CBCT scans obtained from male and female subjects for radiographic evaluation. For statistical analysis, one-way analysis of variance, student independent t-test,
and Chi-square test were employed.

Result: Among the 210 subjects evaluated, Type A impaction was the most prevalent pattern in both males (51.4%) and females (48.6%), with no significant association between gender and impaction type (p = 0.650). The apical position was the most common location of the IAC (males 47.6%, females 54.3%), while canal morphology was predominantly oval in males (50.5%) and round in females (56.2%), showing no significant gender differences (p = 0.195). The majority of impacted mandibular third molars exhibited no direct contact with the IAC (81.9% in males and 79.0% in females), and proximity status was not significantly associated with gender (p = 0.728).

Conclusion: These findings highlight the anatomical variability of the IAC and emphasize the importance of CBCT in preoperative assessment. Accurate CBCT evaluation aids surgical planning for third molar extractions, mandibular surgeries, and local anaesthesia procedures.

Key words: Impacted third molar, Inferior Alveolar canal, CBCT