Investigation of the Bifid Mandibular Canal Prevalence in the Central Anatolian Population: A Retrospective CBCT Study

Year 2025, Volume: 7 Issue: 1, 145 - 150, 15.01.2025

Melike Güleç , Elif Esra Özmen

https://doi.org/10.37990/medr.1555187

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to retrospectively examine cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images obtained for various reasons to determine the prevalence of bifid mandibular canal (BMC) in the Central Anatolian population.
Material and Method: A total of 518 mandibular canals (right and left sides evaluated separately) from 259 CBCT images (145 female, 114 male) that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. BMCs were categorized as retromolar canal, forward canal, dental canal, and buccolingual canal. Individuals were grouped into age ranges of 15-34, 35-54, and 55-75 years. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. The data were then compared based on side (right/left), gender, and age.
Results: BMC was observed in 35.9% of the total participants. The most common subtype was the forward canal (Type 3) at a rate of 41.9%, followed by the retromolar canal at 35.4%, the dental canal at 31.1%, and the buccolingual canal at 26.8%. While there was no significant difference in BMC prevalence by gender, the prevalence was found to be higher in the second age group.
Conclusion: In conclusion, regardless of subtype, determining the presence of BMC in patients undergoing mandibular procedures is extremely important for informing the clinician, especially to avoid complications such as local anesthesia failure, postoperative paresthesia, or bleeding. If present, it should be noted in the CBCT report.

Keywords

Bifid mandibular canal, cone-beam computed tomography, mandibular anatomy

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