Uncommon trajectory variations of the mandibular canal and of the mandibular incisive canal: case report.

PURPOSE

This paper aims to report and discuss a case in which unusual anatomical variations were observed in the mandibular canal (MC) and the mandibular incisive canal (MIC) in a same patient.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 49-year-old healthy female was referred for mandibular dental implant placement. Panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) were performed. Cross-sections, axial, coronal, panoramic reconstructions and volume rendering were obtained.

RESULTS

The panoramic radiograph did not show any evidence of abnormality. CBCT showed a bifid MC on the right side. It extended to the buccal cortex, exteriorized for 6 mm and returned to its conventional trajectory to reach the mental foramen. On the left side, the MIC initially followed its normal trajectory for 4 mm but, in the canine region, it also extended to the buccal cortex and exteriorized.

CONCLUSION

The advent of CBCT in Dentistry allowed a greater accuracy in the diagnosis of anatomical variations in the jaws, preventing injury to the neurovascular bundle and enabling an adequate surgical planning in the region.