Study of the prevalence and characterization of the mandibular incisive canal in cone beam computed tomography performed in a school clinic in the Far South of Santa Catarina

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the prevalence and characterization of the mandibular incisive canal in patients over 18 years of age, who underwent cone beam computed tomography of the mandible in a teaching clinic in the extreme south of Santa Catarina, in the years 2022 and 2023. Method This work refers to quantitative, descriptive, observational and documentary research. Considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 320 hemiarches were selected from 160 tomographic exams performed by a single operator and using the same physical factors. The images were evaluated by a dental surgeon specialized in dental radiology. Data regarding age and sex were collected. Furthermore, the presence of mandibular incisive canal was verified and, when present, its length and diameter were measured. The presence of branches and their direction was observed. The research consisted mainly of adult female patients. It was observed that, of the tomographic exams evaluated, 93.4% presented mandibular incisive canal. Results The characterization study demonstrated an average diameter of 1.56 mm and a length of 10.69 mm. The research found that 39.8% of the canals presented branches, with a prevalence of 83.2% in the lingual direction. There was no statistical relevance between the presence of the mandibular incisive canal in relation to sex, presence of teeth, laterality and diameter. Conclusion A high prevalence of mandibular incisive canal was observed. In relation to biological sex, only length showed a statistically significant difference. Cone beam computed tomography is essential before surgical procedures, avoiding iatrogenic injuries and ensuring greater safety for the patient.