Diagnostic accuracy of cone-beam CT compared with panoramic images in predicting retromolar canal during extraction of impacted mandibular third molars

Objectives: The clinical significance of the existence of a retromolar canal and of its neurovascular content is not yet clear.The aim of the present study was to assess the visibility, diameter and course of the mandibular retromolarcanal (MRC) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan -had been taken for pre-operative radiographic evaluation of impacted mandibular third molars- compared to panoramic radiographs. Study Design: Subjects eligible for study enrollment were those who underwent preoperative CBCT scan for the extraction of impactedmandibular third molars were determined to be extremely close to the mandibular canal on panoramic radiographs. Radiographs were screened for th…