Anatomical relation of third molars and the retromolar canal. Issue 8 (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moreno Rabie, C.; Vranckx, M.; Rusque, M.I.; Deambrosi, C.; Ockerman, A.; Politis, C.; Jacobs, R.
• Is Part Of: British journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Volume 57:Issue 8(2019)
• Page Start: 765
• Page End: 770
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: Cone-beam CT -- retromolar canal -- retromolar foramen -- third molar -- wisdom tooth; Mouth -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Maxilla -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Face -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; Dentistry, Operative -- Periodicals; Face -- surgery -- Periodicals; Mouth -- surgery -- Periodicals; Maxilla -- surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery, Oral -- Periodicals; Oral Surgical Procedures -- Periodicals; Dentistry, Operative -- Periodicals; Bouche -- Chirurgie -- Périodiques; Maxillaire supérieur -- Chirurgie -- Périodiques; Face -- Chirurgie -- Périodiques; Chirurgie dentaire -- Périodiques; Dentistry, Operative; Face -- Surgery; Maxilla -- Surgery; Mouth -- Surgery; Surgery, Plastic; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.52059
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2019.07.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-4356

Abstract

Abstract: The study was designed to assess, by direct anatomical observations and cone-beam computed tomography (CT), the prevalence of a retromolar canal and foramen in relation to the mandibular third molar in dry human mandibles. Dry mandibles from European skeletons (n = 89) were observed directly and after cone-beam CT scanning (Newtom VGI evo). The following variables were assessed: the presence of a retromolar foramen and canal; the presence of a third molar, and orientation of the third molar. From the total of 89 mandibles selected, 73 showed a retromolar foramen (49 of which were bilateral). A retromolar canal was identified in 64 mandibles based on cone-beam CT assessment, with a total of 101 canals, including 74 that were bilateral. A total of 112 hemimandibles contained a third molar. Orientation of the third molar did not seem to indicate the presence of retromolar foramina or canals. A similar prevalence of retromolar canals was found for both vertically (41/79) and mesially (17/33) orientated third molars. A retromolar foramen and canal were present in most mandibles, with more than half being bilateral. We were unable to confirm a potential relation between the retromolar foramen and canal on the one hand, and the orientation of the third molar on the other.