title: Classification of bifid mandibular canals using cone beam computed tomography.
abstract: The objective of this study was to classify the morphology of bifid mandibular canals and to evaluate their relationship with the roots of third molars, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. The CBCT scans of 75 patients were analyzed and the bifurcations were classified according to Langlais et al. (1985). The relationship of bifurcation and third molars was established according to the following classification: class A--uninvolved, class B--close relationship, class C--intimate relationship and class D--absence of third molars. Data were submitted to descriptive statistics, and the results indicated that the patients' mean age was 48.2 (± 13.2) years. Unilateral bifurcation (Type 1) was the most frequent type (72.6%), followed by unilateral Type 2 (19.3%). Class D was the most frequent (57.33%), followed by class C (21.33%), class B (13.33%) and class A (8%). It could be concluded that most cases presented unilateral bifid mandibular canals extending to the third molar or adjacent regions, and when present, the roots seemed to be a continuation of the bifid mandibular canal.
authors.affiliation: Mestrado Profissional em Odontologia Clínica, Universidade Positivo, CuritibaPR, Brazil.
authors.forename: Gisele Maria
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Correr
authors.affiliation: Mestrado Profissional em Odontologia Clínica, Universidade Positivo, CuritibaPR, Brazil.
authors.forename: Daiana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Iwanko
authors.affiliation: Mestrado Profissional em Odontologia Clínica, Universidade Positivo, CuritibaPR, Brazil.
authors.forename: Denise Piotto
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Leonardi
authors.affiliation: Mestrado Profissional em Odontologia Clínica, Universidade Positivo, CuritibaPR, Brazil.
authors.forename: Lucienne Miranda
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Ulbrich
authors.affiliation: Mestrado Profissional em Odontologia Clínica, Universidade Positivo, CuritibaPR, Brazil.
authors.forename: Melissa Rodrigues de
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Araújo
authors.affiliation: Mestrado Profissional em Odontologia Clínica, Universidade Positivo, CuritibaPR, Brazil.
authors.forename: Tatiana Miranda
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Deliberador
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015588:Observer Variation; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D012016:Reference Values; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D055815:Young Adult