Three dimensionally reconstructed of the mandibular incisive canal by CBCT

To find out the existence of Mandibular Incisive Canal (MIC) through CBCT scanning and measure its 3D relationship with the surrounding tissue, so as to provide protection for the operation in submental area.

CBCT images of 100 patients were measured and three dimensionally reconstructed. The measurement include following items, the existence of the MIC; vertical and horizontal diameter of MIC; vertical distance from MIC to the mandibular buccal and lingual wall; to the root apex, to the inferior border of mandible and alveolar crest in corresponding points (the mandibular first premolar, canine and incisor).

the MIC was 100% visible in CBCT. The mean distance between MIC and buccal bone plate and lingual bone plate was 3.52 ± 0.54 mm and 5.37 ± 0.25 mm. The average distance from the inferior border of the mandible, the apex of the root and the crest of the alveolar bone was 10.44 ± 0.61 mm、10.57 ± 0.76 mm and 20.21 ± 0.83 mm relatively. The distance from MIC to the inferior border of the mandible in male was 10.70 ± 0.43 mm and 10.17 ± 0.63 mm in female, P＜0.05.

The detection rate of MIC is high and there are many variations. It was suggested that the location and size of the MIC should be checked in CBCT in each patient before operation, which is helpful to avoid surgical complications in submental area.