Location and Size of Mandibular Canal and Cortical Bone Width in the Second Molar Region

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate age related and gender related differences by using computed tomography images between the roots of the second molars mandibular cortex and the mandibular canal as well as cortical bone width and mandibular canal diameter in a Japanese population.

Methods 359 patients were subcategorized by gender and age(group Ⅰ＜31 years, group Ⅱ, 31-49 years, group Ⅲ, ＜50 years). The distance between the inner border of the cortical bone and the mandibular canal, the cortical bone width and the mandibular canal diameter were measured on cross sectional images.

Results In male mandibular left, the mandibular second molar distal root apex to superior cortical bone of mandibular canal is shorter in group Ⅱthan in group Ⅲ. Both buccal and lingual cortex width in both sides of the mandible were shorter in younger males than in older males. In females, the mandibular second molar distal root apex to superior cortical bone of mandibular canal was shorter in group I than in group Ⅲin both sides of the mandible. The buccal cortex width was shorter in older females than in younger females.

Conclusion Our study showed that age, gender and region may have influence on the location and size of the mandibular canal as well as cortical bone width in the second molar region among a Japanese population.