Research Information System
Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, 2025 (ESCI)
Purpose: This study's objective is to investigate the incidence and anatomical structure of the retromolar canal (RMC), an anatomical variation that can be seen in the posterior region of the mandible in the Northwestern Turkish adult population, and to emphasize its importance for surgical procedures in the retromolar region. Materials and Methods: The cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 2176 patients aged 18–57 years were analyzed retrospectively. The presence of an RMC (if any), the type and width of the RMC, the height of the RMC, and its distance from the mandibular second molar were examined. The distribution of the detected RMCs according to gender, age, and canal type was statistically determined. Results: Thirty-one RMCs were detected in 28 (10.7%) of the 261 patients who met the inclusion criteria. An RMC that followed a curved route (B1 type) was the most common (61.3%). No statistically significant relationship was found between the RMC and the distribution of gender, age, and canal type (p > 0.05). Conclusion: It is important to determine the location and type of RMC before surgical procedures to prevent complications such as intraoperative hemorrhage, local anesthesia deficiencies, and possible nerve injuries.