| Objective:.This study aims to compare the visualization of mandibular canal on digital panoramic radiography(PR)and cone-beam CT(CBCT)images, and analyze the relevant factors of the visualization of mandibular canal which affect the visibility. It is expected that this study will guide the operation at the mandible region.Materials and Methods: Panoramic and CBCT images of 92 patients were recruited in West China Hospital of Stomatology from December 2013 to February 2014. Both panoramic and CBCT images were observed by two radiologists, respectively. On both panoramic and CBCT images, the bilateral mandibular canals between mental foramen and mandibular foramen were divided evenly into four parts(part1, 2, 3, 4). The visibility of mandibular canals of these parts were scored 0~3. The incidence rate of bifid mandibular canal and additional mental foramens was alculated.Results:The interobservor reliability was high. On CBCT images, the average scores of visibility of mandibular canal were as follows: 2.120 to part 1, 2.337 to part 2, 2.533 to part 3, and 2.630 to part 4. On panoramic images, they were 1.772 to part 1, 1.973 to part 2, 2.207 to part 3, and 2.538 to part 4. The mandibular canal was more visible in the posterior part. On panoramic images, the incidences of bifid mandibular canal and additional mental foramens were 4.3% and 0.54%, respec-tively, while on CBCT images, these ncidences were 5.4% and 3.8%.P value was set at 0.05.Conclusion : CBCT was more sensitive than panoramic in perceiving mandibular canal. The visualization of the mandibular canal in CBCT is significantly higher than in digital panoramic radiographs... |
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