Evaluation of the retromolar canal and foramina of the mandible with cone-beam computed tomography

Background: The goal of this study was to investigate the occurrence of retromolar canal (RMC) and retromolar foramen (RMF) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a Turkish subpopulation. Methods: This study included high-resolution CBCT images from 177 male and 173 female, totally 350, with average age of 31.9 years (18 to 70 years). The RMC was defined as an independent accessory canal or arising from the mandibular canal continuous with a foramen on the retromolar fossa. The RMCs were analyzed by considering sex and side. Independet samples statistically analyzed with chi-square test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The RMC was detected in 11.42% of patients. Of these, 11 patients (3.14%) had bilateral RMC, while 29 patients (8.28%) had a unilateral RMC. There were no differences between left and right sides or between genders (P>0.05). Conclusions: RMC is an anatomic variation that performers of oral surgery should be aware of. It could potentially cause hypoesthesia and unnecessary discomfort of patient when injured. CBCT is a useful device to reveal anatomic features of the retromolar foramen and canal