Abstract:

Objective The purpose of this study is to analyze the incidence and the type of the bifid mandibular canal (BMC) by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Methods A total of 216 patients (104 female and 112 male) who underwent CBCT were included in this study. The CBCT images were evaluated for the incidence and the type of the BMC. Results BMC was observed in 39 (18.06%) of 216 patients and 50 (11.57%) of 432 sides, female 18 (17.31 %) and male 21 (18.75%). BMC were classified into four types: type Ⅰ 17 sides (3.94%), type Ⅱ 11 sides (2.55%), type Ⅲ 20 sides (4.63%), and type Ⅳ 2 sides (0.46%). Conclusion BMC is detected at a high rate by using CBCT. When doctors perform surgical procedures in the mandible, they should pay attention to the anatomical variations of BMC of the mandibular canals.

Key words: bifid mandibular canal, cone beam computed tomography, anatomical, radiography