Diagnostic value of routine dental radiographs for predicting the mandibular canal localization validated by cone-beam computed tomogram measurements

Abstract

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that routine dental radiographs can be used to draw conclusions regarding the mandibular canal (MC) localization. Material and Methods: A total of 108 radiographs (36 orthopantomograms [OPTs], 36 lateral cephalograms [LCs], and 36 cone-beam computed tomograms [CBCTs]) of 36 patients were analyzed. Statistical analysis included all cephalometric parameters obtained by OPTs, LCs, and CBCTs. Potential influencing parameters were calculated using linear and logistic regression with a backward removal algorithm. For predictability of MC localization, parameters were correlated using Pearson's correlation. Results: The MC ran along the lingual half (n = 24) twice as often as in the buccal half (n = 12) in the population studied. The position was always symmetrical contralaterally. No sex-specific influence was observed (p =.34). Lingual and buccal MC courses were statistically significantly correlated to increased and decreased jaw angles (LC/OPT), respectively (p =.003; r = −.48/p =.010; r = −.42). An increased jaw angle was significantly correlated with a more cranial MC position (p =.013; r = −.41); a deep and distal bite position was significantly correlated with a caudal and buccal MC position (p =.004; r = −.47/p =.001; r =.57). Moreover, an increase of 1 point in the Hasund score predicted an increased probability of a buccal MC position by 18.6%. The jaw angle analyzed in OPT and LC images were positively correlated (r =.89, p