Estimation of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Proximity to Root Apices: A CBVI Analysis

Vocabulary flashcards covering key anatomical terms, diagnostic tools, study conclusions, and imaging findings regarding inferior alveolar nerve proximity analysis using CBCT.

Inferior Alveolar Nerve (IAN)

A branch of the mandibular nerve (the third branch of the trigeminal nerve) located within the mandibular canal, originating from the mandibular foramen and descending obliquely and horizontally into the body of the mandible to the mental foramen.

Mental Nerve

The nerve located anterior to the mental foramen, typically seen in the second premolar region, with branches continuing to innervate surrounding structures of the mandible.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)

A 3D imaging modality that allows three-dimensional reconstruction of maxillofacial structures in a true $1:1$ anatomical representation with higher resolution and dose reduction compared to conventional 2D radiographs.

Iatrogenic IAN Injury Symptoms

Clinical manifestations resulting from trauma to the inferior alveolar nerve during dental procedures, including pain, hyperesthesia, hypoesthesia, dysesthesia, paresthesia, and anesthesia.

Coronectomy

A surgical procedure for third molars that avoids nerve injury by ensuring the retention of roots when they are in close proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve canal.

Radiographic Signs of IAN Risk

Indicators observed on plain radiographs (IOPA and OPG) suggestive of nerve injury risk, including darkening of roots, loss of lamina dura of the IAN canal, deviation of the canal, and superimposition on the canal.

KODAK 9000CBCT Machine Settings

The machine settings used in the study to perform bilateral CBCT scans, operated at $70\,\text{kVp}$ and $100\,\text{mA}$ with $200\,\mu\text{m}$ thick coronal and sagittal sections.

Optimum Endodontic Medicament pH

A pH level close to body fluids (around $7.35$), preventing cellular necrosis of tissues that can occur with high or low pH medicaments such as formocresol, eugenol, iodoform paste, calcium hydroxide, and sodium hypochlorite.

Gender Differences in IAN Proximity

The study finding that the distance from the root apices of the second premolar, first molar, and second molar to the superior border of the IAN is significantly shorter in females than in males bilaterally.

Shortest Tooth-to-IAN Distance (Males vs. Females)

In male subjects, the second molar had the shortest distance to the IAN among the teeth evaluated, whereas in female subjects, the second premolar had the shortest distance to the IAN.

Denio D et al. (1992) Conclusion

The research conclusion finding that the mandibular second premolar and second molar were closest to the inferior alveolar nerve.

Tyler Kovisto et al. (2011) Conclusion

The research conclusion finding that the mandibular second molar was closer to the inferior alveolar nerve than the second premolar and first molar.

CBCT Pan View of Right Mandibular Posteriors

A panoramic reconstruction from a CBCT scan showing the right mandibular posterior teeth, with the inferior alveolar nerve path highlighted in orange.

CBCT Coronal Section of Right Second Premolar

A coronal CBCT view displaying the linear distance measurement (shown in green) from the root apex of the right second premolar to the superior border of the inferior alveolar nerve canal.