Investigation of the Prevalence and Characteristics of the Retromolar Canal Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in a Turkish Sample

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Abstract
Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of the retromolar canal (RMC) and retromolar foramen (RMF) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and to evaluate the course and anatomical structure of the RMC. Methods: The study group consisted of CBCT images of 1008 subjects (541 females and 467 males). The prevalence and types of the RMC, as well as the frequency of the RMF, were analyzed according to age and sex. A significance level of 0.05 was accepted for all statistical analyses. Results: According to the findings, 575 (57.0%) RMCs and 298 (29.5%) RMFs were identified in 1008 subjects. Bilateral RMCs were observed in 327 subjects (32.4%), while unilateral RMCs were present in 248 subjects (24.6%). When 2016 retromolar regions were examined, a total of 902 RMCs and 400 RMFs were identified. No statistically significant difference was observed between the right and left retromolar regions or between sexes regarding the overall prevalence of RMCs (p > 0.05). The most frequently observed RMC type was Type A1, and a statistically significant difference was found between RMC types and sex. Conclusions: This study suggested that the RMC is a common anatomical variation that may have surgical relevance. Due to the presence of a neurovascular bundle passing through it, both the RMC and RMF should be considered in surgical and anesthetic procedures involving the retromolar region. CBCT is a reliable tool for detecting these structures and assessing their morphology.

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