PANORAMIC RADIOGRAPHIC PATTERNS OF THE INFRAORBITAL CANAL AND ANTERIOR SUPERIOR DENTAL PLEXUS

Objective: To describe and classify the presentations of the infra-orb ital canal/groove (IOC/ G) complex and anterior superior dental plexus (ASDP) on panoramic radiographs. Methods: The frequency of occurrence and variations in appearance of the IOC/G were determined on 246 rand om panoramic radiographs. A classification system consisting of Types I, II and III was developed to describe the radiographic patterns of t he IOC/G. R Results: Two hundred radiographs (81.3%) demonstrated evid ence of the IOG/C. The most frequent appearance of the IOC was Type II I (44.75%) closely followed by Type I (42%) and Type II (13.25%), with only minor differences in prevalence between right and left sides. Si xty one percent were bilateral. Radiologic evidence of the ASDP was no ted in 29% of radiographs demonstrating an IOG/C with 12% of cases bei ng bilateral. Three distinct radiographic patterns of the anterior sup erior dental plexus (ASDP) were also observed. Conclusion: A classific ation of the appearance of the IOC/G and ASDP on panoramic radiographs has been presented.