title: Evaluation of the visibility and the course of the mandibular incisive canal and the lingual foramen using cone-beam computed tomography.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the visibility and the course of the incisive canal and the visibility and the location of the lingual foramen using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
  
  
  METHODS
  In total, 100 CBCT examinations of patients for preoperative planning were used for this study. The examinations were taken using the NewTom 3G CBCT unit, applying a standardized exposure protocol. Image reconstruction from the raw data was performed using the NewTom software. Three experts were asked to assess the visibility of the incisive canal using a four-point rating scale. The position of the incisive canal was recorded in relation to the lower, buccal and lingual border of the mandible using the application provided by the CBCT software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The incisive canal was definitely visible in 83.5% of the scans and the mean endpoint was approximately 15 mm anterior to the mental foramen. The mean distance from the lower border of the mandible was 11.5 mm and its course was closer to the buccal border of the mandible in 87% of the scans. The lingual foramen was definitely visible in 81% of the scans.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The high detection rate of the incisive canal and the lingual foramen in the anterior region of the mandible using CBCT indicates the potential high preoperative value of CBCT scan for surgical procedures in the anterior mandible.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology, Dental School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece. nkmakris@dent.uoa.gr
authors.forename: Nikos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Makris
authors.forename: Harry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Stamatakis
authors.forename: Kostas
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Syriopoulos
authors.forename: Kostas
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tsiklakis
authors.forename: Paul F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: van der Stelt
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000294:innervation*; D008340:Mandibular Nerve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012984:Software; D055815:Young Adult