Volume 4, No. 1, 2027
Received: 2026/04/27, Accepted: 2026/06/09
Authors:
Naranjo Andrade César Humberto; Molina Carlos;
Abstract:
Aim: To determine the prevalence of the bifid mandibular canal using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the city of Cuenca. Materials and Methods: A total of 174 CBCT studies (2022–2025) from an anonymous database were analyzed. Multiplanar reconstructions (coronal, sagittal, and axial views) were evaluated to identify anatomical variations of the mandibular canal. Bifurcations were classified according to Naitoh, considering the origin and trajectory of the accessory canal. Results: A total of 14.4% of individuals presented the bifid canal variation. A higher prevalence was found in females than in males. The age group between 35 and 44 years showed the highest prevalence of bifid mandibular canal, with retromolar and buccolingual canal variants being the most predominant (p = 0.047). Conclusion: In the final analysis, the most effective imaging method for detecting this anatomical variation is cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The overall incidence was relatively low, occurring mainly on the left side and more frequently in individuals of mixed ethnicity.
Keywords:
Mandibular Canal, CBCT, Anatomy