Retromolar canals as observed on cone-beam computed tomography: their incidence, course, and characteristics

Objective. The study aims at assessing the incidence, course, and characteristics of retromolar canals. Study design. The cone-beam computed tomography images of 171 subjects were evaluated for the presence, course, and pattern of occurrence of retromolar canals. Results. Three types of retromolar canals namely A, B, & C were detected in 129 subjects. Type A branched off the mandibular canal distal to third molar to open into retomolar fossa, type B coursed between retromolar fossa and radicular portion of third molar, type C coursed from mandibular foramen anteroinferiorly to exit into retromolar fossa. The type B retromolar canal presented features distinguishing it from other types. Conclusions. Considerable number of individuals presented with retromolar canals emphasizing their significance in surgeries involving the retromolar area. The type B pattern, to the best of our knowledge, hasn't been reported by most researchers and hence, could be considered as an additional type of retromolar canal.