The mandibular canal is considered one of the crucial structures in the mandible, so that knowledge of its location is one of the most important challenges in dental practice. Therefore, maintaining the integrity of the mandibular canal is a significant point for many clinicians who operate on or near this structure, for avoiding injury of the vital structures, especially the inferior alveolar nerve. The present study aimed at evaluating the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) proximity to the mandibular-third-molars by reviewing the previous studies of interest issued in this field. Certain radiographic marks have been applied to indicate the proximity level of IAC to the mandibular 3rd-molar roots on CBCT or panoramic images. In addition, the depth level and angulation of these molars to IAC had been reviewed. The radiographic marks here applied were considered valuable to some extent to identify IAC proximity to the roots of the mandibular third molars.
Keywords:- inferior alveolar canal
- mandible
- mandibular canal
- mandibular third molar.