Clinical significance of computed tomography assessment for third molar surgery

Figure 1 Coronal view of the maxillary molar with multi-detector computed tomography. The absence of cortication between the root apex and maxillary sinus can be observed.

Figure 2 Root darkening and inferior alveolar canal shape. A: Darkening of the root is observed in this orthopantomography image. A black band is visible (white arrows) at the root apex site; B: A cross-sectional multi-detector computed tomography image indicates alterations (dumbbell shape) to the inferior alveolar canal shape and a loss of the lingual cortex of the mandibular bone.

Figure 3 Imaging and surgical removal of a dislocated third mandibular molar (LM3). A: Orthopantomography showing a dislocated LM3 during surgical removal. The dislocated LM3 is superimposed over the middle part of the mandibular ramus (white arrows); B: Axial multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) image and C: coronal MDCT image of the dislocated LM3 deviating into the pterygomandibular space (yellow circle); D: Surgical extraction; E: Extracted LM3.

Figure 4 Radiolucency is not observed with orthopantomography. A: No significant radiolucency is observed in the roots of the third mandibular molar with orthopantomography; B: A cross-sectional multi-detector computed tomography image shows the dumbbell shape of the inferior alveolar canal and loss of the lingual cortex of the mandibular bone.

Figure 5 Root darkening and altered third mandibular molar (LM3) root. A: Darkening of the root observed by orthopantomography. A black band is visible (white arrow) at the root apex site; B: Alteration of the LM3 root (grooved) and loss of the lingual cortex of mandibular bone can be observed on cross-sectional multi-detector computed tomography images.