CBCT Based Evaluation of the Anatomical Variation of Retromolar Canal in A Sample of Egyptian Population. A Retrospective Study

Abstract

The goal of this study is to estimate the prevalence of the retromolar in the Egyptian population and to enhance the allocation of the retromolar canals and foramina. Methodology: Using a Newtom Giano HR CBCT system, radiographic evaluation of 250 CBCT scans was performed. According to the manufacturer's guidelines, multiple FOVs were used with the same voxel size (0.3 mm) to produce distinct scans for different patient sizes. The presence of retromolar canal was checked for, using the CBCT scans. Linear measurements were made from the retromolar foramen to the mandibular foramen in an anteroposterior and a mediolateral directions, as well as to the lower second and third molars, and their courses was divided into three basic classes. Results: In this study, retromolar canal was absent in sides 207 (82.8%) while was presented in 43 (17%), absence of retromolar canal was significantly higher than its presence as P<0.0001. Regarding distribution, bilateral side (16.3%) was significantly lower than unilateral distribution (83.7%) as P<0.0001. In class distribution, class A (70%) was significantly the highest, while class C (6%) was significantly the lowest. Conclusion: The prevalence of retromolar canal in the Egyptian population is 17%. When evaluating the retromolar region to identify the presence of the retromolar canal and retromolar foramen to prevent problems after various dental surgical procedures, the use of CBCT is crucial.