Wc. Scarfe et al., PANORAMIC RADIOGRAPHIC PATTERNS OF THE INFRAORBITAL CANAL AND ANTERIOR SUPERIOR DENTAL PLEXUS, Dento-maxillo-facial radiology, 27(2), 1998, pp. 85-92
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.