Prevalence evaluation and classification of bifid mandibular canals in CBCT exams in different facial types

Abstract Objetive The aim of this study is to establish the prevalence and classification of mandibular canal alterations using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in different facial types. This research was submitted and approved by the research ethics committee, registration number 2.065.839. Material and method The sample consisted of 90 CBCTs from the São Leopoldo Mandic Dental School database (Campinas-SP), divided into three groups according to brachycephalic, dolichocephalic and mesocephalic facial types. Result Of the 90 patients, 23 presented bifid mandible canals (25.6%), of which 60.9% were in males and 39.1% in females. In 39.1%, the canal bifurcation occurred towards the retromolar region (class D), 21.7% had a trajectory to an alveolar or upper direction (class C) and 13.1% were classified as C-E. For the remaining classifications (A, E, F and A-E), the frequencies were in the range of 8.7% to 4.3%. None of the 23 cases of mandibular canal bifurcation was classified as B (mesial direction). Conclusion According to the results obtained from this study, the prevalence of bifid mandibular canals was found to be 25.6%, with class D being the most prevalent for the retromolar region and the highest occurrence was unilaterally on the left side. When evaluating the occurrence of bifid mandibular canals in relation to facial types, brachycephalic patients were the most affected.