Panoramic radiographic patterns of the infraorbital canal and anterior superior dental plexus.
OBJECTIVE
To describe and classify the presentations of the infra-orbital canal/groove (IOC/G) complex and anterior superior dental plexus (ASDP) on panoramic radiographs.


METHODS
The frequency of occurrence and variations in appearance of the IOC/G were determined on 246 random panoramic radiographs. A classification system consisting of Types I, II and III was developed to describe the radiographic patterns of the IOC/G.


RESULTS
Two hundred radiographs (81.3%) demonstrated evidence of the IOG/C. The most frequent appearance of the IOC was Type III (44.75%) closely followed by Type I (42%) and Type II (13.25%), with only minor differences in prevalence between right and left sides. Sixty one percent were bilateral. Radiologic evidence of the ASDP was noted in 29% of radiographs demonstrating an IOG/C with 12% of cases being bilateral. Three distinct radiographic patterns of the anterior superior dental plexus (ASDP) were also observed.


CONCLUSIONS
A classification of the appearance of the IOC/G and ASDP on panoramic radiographs has been presented.
Scarfe
W C
WC
Department of Diagnosis and General Dentistry, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Kentucky, USA.
Langlais
R P
RP
Ohba
T
T
Kawamata
A
A
Maselle
I
I
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000294:innervation; D008442:Maxillary Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D009915:Orbit / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000294:innervation; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D012189:Retrospective Studies