title: Retromolar canals as observed on cone-beam computed tomography: their incidence, course, and characteristics.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study aims at assessing the incidence, course, and characteristics of retromolar canals.
  
  
  METHODS
  The cone-beam computed tomography images of 171 subjects were evaluated for the presence, course, and pattern of occurrence of retromolar canals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three types of retromolar canals namely A, B, & C were detected in 129 subjects. Type A branched off the mandibular canal distal to third molar to open into retomolar fossa, type B coursed between retromolar fossa and radicular portion of third molar, type C coursed from mandibular foramen anteroinferiorly to exit into retromolar fossa. The type B retromolar canal presented features distinguishing it from other types.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Considerable number of individuals presented with retromolar canals emphasizing their significance in surgeries involving the retromolar area. The type B pattern, to the best of our knowledge, hasn't been reported by most researchers and hence, could be considered as an additional type of retromolar canal.
authors.affiliation: Division of Radiology, Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, Showa University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Seema
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Patil
authors.forename: Yukiko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Matsuda
authors.forename: Koh
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nakajima
authors.forename: Kazuyuki
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Araki
authors.forename: Tomohiro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Okano
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D063405:Anatomic Variation; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D003724:Dental Arch / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D055815:Young Adult