CBCT evaluation of the tridimensional relationship between impacted lower third molar and the inferior alveolar nerve position.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate if the statistical significant relations between the measures taken exists or not and to show how the 3D reconstruction could be help the oral surgeon in all those instances in which it may have a direct impact on the planning of the surgical steps.

METHODS: Thanks to use of NobelClinician™ Software it was possible to analyze 200 mandibular tomography computerized, random selected, and create a 3D reconstruction of mandibular bone, point out dental structure of wisdom tooth and the way of IAN. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. One way ANOVA test was used to measure the association between each independent variable and the outcome variable, followed by the post-hoc least significant difference (LSD) test for intergroup differences.

RESULTS: Two independent variables were significant predictors for risk to have the distance 0 mm from IAN to apex: "Ramus relationship/space available" and "depth".

CONCLUSIONS: The 3D reconstruction software provide surgeons with an additional planning tool, offering: immediate and neat visualization of the noble structures that have to be respected and their localization in the three spatial planes; the exact morphology of the relevant root apex; a 360° view of the relationship between the IAN and the third molar and the exact point in which the root is in relationship with the canal.