New Classification for Bifurcated Mandibular Neural Canal

Abstract Background: To analyze the occurrence rate of bifurcated neural canal (BMC) by cone beam CT(CBCT) and summarise a new classification for further clinical work and academic communication. Method: Randomly collected the CBCT images of 350 patients. Firstly, we analysed and summarized the BMCs into four types. Second, we did statistics about occurrence. Then we have measured three kinds of distance of Type I and Type II. At last, we compared the advantages and disadvantages about different classifications. Results: Among these 350 patients, we found 110 people with BMC which indicated the occurrence rate of BMC was 31.43%. The most common type was Type I, especially Type I B , and the least was Type III. Vertical distance between the apex of the second molar, the third molar and mandibular canal are 4.36±2.51 mm and 2.45±2.23 mm. Distance from the apex of two molars to the bifurcated spot are 15.87±6.82mm and 9.32±5.37mm. And the distance between the apex and retromolar foramen in Type I are 22.19±5.97mm and 15.82±4.68mm. Conclusion: Comparing with former typing theory, we summarized a new classification which is simpler and more convenient, which should attach scholars’ attention to BMC during clinical work.