title: Potential reformatting errors in cone-beam computed tomography for dentoalveolar surgery: a cautionary tale.
abstract: We describe the removal of a lower second molar tooth in which preoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) showed that the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) was encased in the distal apex of the root of the tooth. During operation the nerve was found to be entirely separate from the apex of the root and not involved. With the wider use of CBCT in the treatment planning of dentoalveolar surgery, this case represents a cautionary tale to the clinician on reliance on clinical imaging and software in guiding the decision making process.
authors.affiliation: Oral and Maxillofacial Specialist Registrar, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Morriston Hospital, Heol Maes Eglwys, Morriston, Swansea, SA6 6NL. Electronic address: jonjones@doctors.org.uk.
authors.forename: Jonathan L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.affiliation: Lead Consultant Orthodontist, Orthodontic Department, Morriston Hospital, Heol Maes Eglwys, Morriston, Swansea, SA6 6NL.
authors.forename: Jeremy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Knox
authors.affiliation: Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Morriston Hospital Heol Maes Eglwys, Morriston, Swansea, SA6 6NL.
authors.forename: Steven J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Key
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008340:Mandibular Nerve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D019300:Medical Errors; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000294:innervation / Q000601:surgery; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D019227:Tooth Apex / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000294:innervation / Q000601:surgery; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D061221:Trigeminal Nerve Injuries / Q000209:etiology
keywords: Cone beam computer tomography (CBCT); Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN); Orthodontic extraction