CBCT Segmentation, MANDIBLE, Mandibular Canal Visibility
Conditions
Brief summary
The purpose of this retrospective observational study is to investigate whether mandibular canal dimensions and sublingual fossa morphology can serve as radiographic predictors of the mandibular lateral lingual canal (MLLC) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT images of adults with unilateral MLLC will be retrospectively evaluated. Mandibular canal diameter, mental foramen diameter, and sublingual fossa depth will be compared between the side with the MLLC and the contralateral side. In addition, the location, diameter, and course of the MLLC will be analyzed to identify radiographic features associated with its presence and to improve preoperative assessment for mandibular surgical procedures.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
Recep Tayyip Erdogan University Training and Research Hospital
Study design
Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
RETROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 75 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Individuals aged 18 to 75 years. * Availability of previously acquired cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images obtained for diagnostic purposes. * Presence of a unilateral mandibular lateral lingual canal (MLLC) on CBCT images. * CBCT images of sufficient diagnostic quality to evaluate the location, diameter, and course of the MLLC. * Both mandibular sides included in the same CBCT examination, allowing comparison between the side with the MLLC and the contralateral side. * Absence of significant motion artifacts, metal artifacts, or reconstruction errors in the regions to be measured.
Exclusion criteria
* CBCT images of insufficient quality for morphometric measurement or anatomical assessment. * Inability to clearly identify the mandibular canal, mental foramen, MLLC, or sublingual fossa boundaries. * Presence of bilateral mandibular lateral lingual canals. * History of surgery, trauma, fracture, resection, bone grafting, or implant placement in the mandibular region under evaluation. * Motion or metal artifacts that prevent reliable visualization or measurement of the anatomical structures. * History of systemic disease or syndrome affecting craniofacial or mandibular development. * Presence of cystic or tumoral lesions, exostoses, or other pathological changes affecting the region of interest. * History of orthodontic treatment affecting the region evaluated.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mandibular Canal Diameter | Baseline (retrospective CBCT assessment) | Mandibular canal diameter will be measured in millimeters (mm) on coronal CBCT images at the level of the mandibular first molar furcation on both the side with the mandibular lateral lingual canal (MLLC) and the contralateral side. Higher values indicate a larger mandibular canal diameter. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Foramen Diameter | Baseline (retrospective CBCT assessment) | Mental foramen diameter will be measured in millimeters (mm) in the superoinferior direction on CBCT images on both sides. Higher values indicate a larger mental foramen diameter. |
| Sublingual Fossa Depth | Baseline (retrospective CBCT assessment) | Sublingual fossa depth will be measured in millimeters (mm) as the perpendicular distance from the deepest point of the sublingual fossa to a reference line connecting the superior and inferior borders of the lingual cortical surface. Higher values indicate a deeper sublingual fossa. |
| Mandibular Lateral Lingual Canal Diameter | Baseline (retrospective CBCT assessment) | The diameter of the mandibular lateral lingual canal (MLLC) foramen will be measured in millimeters (mm) on CBCT images. Higher values indicate a larger MLLC diameter. |
| Mandibular Lateral Lingual Canal Location | Baseline (retrospective CBCT assessment) | The anatomical location of the mandibular lateral lingual canal will be determined according to the tooth region through which the canal courses. The outcome will be reported as the frequency and percentage of canals identified in each anatomical location. |
Contacts
CONTACTdilara nil günaçar
Outcome results
None listed