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3204072 
Journal Article 
Cone beam computed tomographic evaluation of nutrient canals and foramina in the anterior region of the mandible 
Ogawa, A; Fukuta, Y; Nakasato, H; Nakasato, S 
2016 
1 
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy
ISSN: 0930-1038
EISSN: 1279-8517 
English 
26983816 
PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence and anatomical location of mandibular nutrient canals (NCs) originating from the mandibular canal using dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

METHODS: CBCT images from 105 patients were examined to evaluate the presence, number, diameter, and course of NCs.

RESULTS: NCs and their foramina were bilaterally located in 17 (16.2 %) images. The mean diameters of NCs and foramina were 0.9 ± 0.4 (range, 0.2-3.2) mm and 0.9 ± 0.4 (0.2-2.1) mm, respectively. NCs coursed through the mandibular incisor region up to the lingual surface of the alveolar bone crest.

CONCLUSION: The present study revealed the frequency and distribution of NCs using CBCT image analysis. NCs are important because surgical injury to the neurovascular bundle within these canals can lead to excessive bleeding and postoperative paresthesia. The identification of NC on CBCT images may be useful during the harvesting of bone blocks or placement of endosseous implants in the anterior region of the mandible.