Detection of Mandibular Incisive Canal Using CBCT and its Anatomical Relationships in Different Nationalities: A Review Study

Paniz  Ranji; Hamed  Mortazavi; Yaser  Safi; Solmaz  Valizadeh; Amirali  Shirian; Katayoun  Ghaffari

doi:10.18502/jimc.v9i3.21818

Paniz Ranji Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Hamed Mortazavi Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Yaser Safi Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Solmaz Valizadeh Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Amirali Shirian Department of Prosthodontics, Dental branch, Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Katayoun Ghaffari Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v9i3.21818

Keywords: Brazil, China, Imaging, Mandibular nerve, Mental foramen, Malaysia, Spiral Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

Background: The Mandibular Incisive Canal (MIC) is the mesial extension of the inferior alveolar nerve, frequently encountered during surgical procedures such as implant placement and bone graft harvesting. Thorough radiographic evaluation, particularly using three-dimensional imaging modalities like Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), is crucial to prevent nerve injury and related complications. This review summarizes studies that investigated MIC detection using CBCT.

Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, an electronic search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus, identifying 45 studies, of which 35 met the inclusion criteria. An electronic search was conducted in August 2023 using PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus with MeSH terms and keywords: “mandibular incisive canal,” “incisive canal,” “computed tomography, cone beam,” “CBCT,” “inferior alveolar nerve,” and “mental foramen.” Relevant studies published in English up to August 28, 2023, were included.

Results: MIC was detected in 87.11% of the cases examined by CBCT. The canal was more prevalent in females (F:M =1.12:1), with a mean patient age of 45.11 years (range 10-88). The average MIC length and width were 11.30 mm and 1.72 mm, respectively. The mean distances from the MIC to the buccal cortex, lingual cortex, inferior mandibular border, and alveolar crest were 3.71, 4.98, 9.37, and 15.76 mm, respectively. The longest and widest MICs were observed in the Chinese population, whereas the smallest dimensions were found in the Brazilian population. MIC prevalence was highest among Malays (100%) and lowest among Indians (86.22%).

Conclusion: CBCT is a valuable tool for detecting the MIC. Careful assessment of the MIC and interforaminal region is recommended to prevent nerve injury and associated complications such as sensory disturbances and hemorrhage.