PROXIMITY OF ROOT APICES OF MANDIBULAR FIRST AND SECOND MOLAR TO MANDIBULAR CANAL; A CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CBCT) ANALYSIS IN A PAKISTAN POPULATION

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to determine the mean proximity of the root apices of mandibular first and second molars to the mandibular canal in a Pakistani population using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Study Design:  Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration: Institute of Dentistry, CMH Lahore Medical College; from 01-08-2024 to 01-02-2025. Methodology: 120 participants were analyzed to measure the distance between the root apices of mandibular first and second molars and the mandibular canal. CBCT scans were obtained using a Villa scanner with a 0.20-mm voxel size, 80 kV, 15 mA, and a 20-second exposure. Measurements were taken using designated software to ensure accuracy. Data was collected using a nonprobability purposive sampling method, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. Results: Mean 1st and 2nd molar distances were 5.43 ± 1.41 mm and 4.13 ± 1.19 mm, respectively. There were 49 males and 71 females; with males having lower 2nd molar distances (3.86 mm) than females (4.30 mm). A paired t-test confirmed a significant difference (P < 0.0001) between 1st and 2nd molar distances, highlighting key mandibular morphology variations. Conclusion: 2nd molar roots are closer to the mandibular canal than the 1st molar, with females showing closer proximity than males, indicating a higher risk of nerve injury in women. Age had no significant effect. CBCT is very important for preoperative planning to minimize nerve injury risks.