Evaluation of the Course of the Inferior Dental Canal Using Digital Dental Panoramic Imaging

Background The position and appearance of the inferior dental canal (IDC)areimportant consideration during a surgical treatment of the mandible. Objective To study the appearance of the IDC radiographically with the aid of histogram equalization of digital imaging to improve the vision of the IDC outline on the digital dental panoramic images in the posterior area of the lower jaw. Method 150 digital panoramic images ofthe right side of the mandible were evaluated according to a particular inclusive criteria.The percentage of the IDCwas calculated to assist the histogram equalization usefulness in the vision of the canal. Result The results showed that there was a difference in the appearance of IDC on the panoramic images of the mandible. The evaluation of the histogram equalization of the digital imageshowed that the canal visualization improved in twenty-seven images,representing 52%,and twelve images,representing 23%, did not show any improvement. The researcher was no sure of thirteen images, representing 25%. Conclusion Since the radiographic appearance of IDC is not universal, and the evaluation of the histogram equalization of the digital image found to be useful in some cases, but not in all; therefore, there is a need for further investigation using advanced modalities such as cone beam CT.