Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: The exact knowledge of relation of impacted mandibular third molar with inferior alveolar canal is useful in removing the tooth. The present study was conducted to assess the relationship with impacted mandibular third molar with inferior alveolar canal by using panoramic radiographs and CBCT. Materials & Methods: 120 patients requiring surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molar were selected and subjected to OPG and CBCT. Images thus obtained were analyzed by oral and maxillofacial radiologist for assessment of relationship. Newer classification given by Michele was considered. Results: Out of 120 patients, 70 were males 50 were females. The difference was non- significant (P- 0.1). Darkening of roots (DR) were seen in 30 males and 20 females, diversion of canal (DC) in 12 males and 10 females, narrowing of canal (NC) in 9 males and 5 females, presence of cortication in 10 males and 8 females and interruption of white line (IWL) in 14 males and 7 females. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Darkening of roots (DR) was seen in 50 patients on OPG and similar number were confirmed by CBCT, diversion of canal (DC) in 22 patients on OPG and 24 on CBCT, narrowing of canal (NC) in 14 patients on OPG and 16 on CBCT, presence of cortication in 18 patients on OPG and 19 on CBCT and interruption of white line (IWL) in 21 patients both on OPG and CBCT. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). Third molar relation with IAC was class 0 (0), subtype 1A (20), subtype 1B (24), subtype 2A (1), subtype 2B (2), subtype 3A (25), subtype 3B (22), subtype 4A (2), subtype 4B (16), subtype 5A (1), subtype 5B (2), subtype 6A (2), subtype 6B (2) and class 7 (1). The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: The relationship of impacted mandibular third molar with inferior alveolar canal using newer classification of CBCT images would definitely proven to be the boon for the surgeon. Key words: Cone beam computer tomography, Impacted, Inferior alveolar canal.