title: Visibility of the mandibular canal on CBCT cross-sectional images.
abstract: The identification of the mandibular canal (MC) is an important prerequisite for surgical procedures involving the posterior mandible. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) represents an advance in imaging technology, but distinguishing the MC from surrounding structures may remain a delicate task.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess the visibility of the MC in different regions on CBCT cross-sectional images.
  
  
  METHODS
  CBCT cross-sectional images of 58 patients (116 hemi-mandibles) were analyzed, and the visibility of the MC in different regions was assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The MC was clearly visible in 53% of the hemi-mandibles. Difficult and very difficult visualizations were registered in 25% and 22% of the hemi-mandibles, respectively. The visibility of the MC on distal regions was superior when compared to regions closer to the mental foramen. No differences were found between edentulous and tooth-bearing areas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The MC presents an overall satisfactory visibility on CBCT cross-sectional images in most cases. However, the discrimination of the canal from its surrounds becomes less obvious towards the mental foramen region when cross-sectional images are individually analyzed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Stomatology, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, SP, Brazil. oliveirachristiano@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Christiano
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Oliveira-Santos
authors.forename: Ana Lúcia Álvares
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Capelozza
authors.forename: Mariela Siqueira Gião
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Dezzoti
authors.forename: Cássia Maria
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Fischer
authors.forename: Marcelo Lupion
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Poleti
authors.forename: Izabel Regina Fischer
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: Rubira-Bullen
mesh_terms: D019412:Anatomy, Cross-Sectional; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008340:Mandibular Nerve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results