Is the presence of accessory mandibular canals associated with the dimensions of the mandibular canal?

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to classify accessory mandibular canals (AMC) and investigate their association with the dimensions of the mandibular canal (MC) to enhance surgical planning and prevent complications in dental treatments. Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were evaluated. AMC's frequency, length, and diameter, including dental, superior, inferior, forward-open, forward-closed, and retromolar types, were determined. Additionally, the dimensions of the MC, including its length and diameter, were measured, and the relationship between the AMC and MC was statistically analyzed. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, independent samples t-test (for normally distributed data), Kruskal-Wallis test (for non-normally distributed data), and Tamhane post hoc test were used for statistical analysis of the data. Results: AMC was identified in 82 of the 222 hemimandibles examined (36.9%). It was found that the length and diameter of AMCs varied significantly depending on the AMC type (p = 0.000). The diameter of the dental type AMCs (mean 0.40 +/- 0.22 mm) was considerably smaller than that of other AMC types (mean 0.86 +/- 0.37 mm). The length and diameter of the MC were measured as 69.20 +/- 5.10 mm and 2.96 +/- 0.57 mm, respectively. While MC length was not found to influence the presence of AMC (p = 0.785), MC diameter was significantly associated with the occurrence of AMC (p = 0.000). Conclusions: AMC, which is critical for improving surgical planning and reducing the risk of complications in dental procedures, is not uncommon. Their presence should be carefully evaluated, particularly in cases where the MC has a larger diameter.