Radiographic Predictors of the Mandibular Lateral Lingual Canal

NCT07752914 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 2026/331
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 210
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

The purpose of this retrospective observational study is to investigate whether mandibular canal dimensions and sublingual fossa morphology can serve as radiographic predictors of the mandibular lateral lingual canal (MLLC) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT images of adults with unilateral MLLC will be retrospectively evaluated. Mandibular canal diameter, mental foramen diameter, and sublingual fossa depth will be compared between the side with the MLLC and the contralateral side. In addition, the location, diameter, and course of the MLLC will be analyzed to identify radiographic features associated with its presence and to improve preoperative assessment for mandibular surgical procedures.

Conditions

Mandibular Canal Visibility; MANDIBLE; CBCT Segmentation

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Mandibular Canal Diameter

  Mandibular canal diameter will be measured in millimeters (mm) on coronal CBCT images at the level of the mandibular first molar furcation on both the side with the mandibular lateral lingual canal (MLLC) and the contralateral side. Higher values indicate a larger mandibular canal diameter.

  Baseline (retrospective CBCT assessment)

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Mental Foramen Diameter

  Baseline (retrospective CBCT assessment)

• Sublingual Fossa Depth

  Baseline (retrospective CBCT assessment)

• Mandibular Lateral Lingual Canal Diameter

  Baseline (retrospective CBCT assessment)

• Mandibular Lateral Lingual Canal Location

  Baseline (retrospective CBCT assessment)

Study Arms (2)

Side With Mandibular Lateral Lingual Canal

Adult participants with unilateral mandibular lateral lingual canal (MLLC) identified on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Morphometric measurements, including mandibular canal diameter, mental foramen diameter, sublingual fossa depth, and MLLC characteristics, will be obtained from the side containing the MLLC.

Contralateral Side Without Mandibular Lateral Lingual Canal

The contralateral side of the same participants without a mandibular lateral lingual canal. Morphometric measurements will be obtained using the same methodology and compared with the side containing the MLLC.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 75 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population will consist of adults aged 18 to 75 years with previously acquired diagnostic cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images archived in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Faculty of Dentistry. Only individuals with a unilateral mandibular lateral lingual canal (MLLC) identified on CBCT images and meeting the eligibility criteria will be included.

You may qualify if:

• Individuals aged 18 to 75 years.
• Availability of previously acquired cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images obtained for diagnostic purposes.
• Presence of a unilateral mandibular lateral lingual canal (MLLC) on CBCT images.
• CBCT images of sufficient diagnostic quality to evaluate the location, diameter, and course of the MLLC.
• Both mandibular sides included in the same CBCT examination, allowing comparison between the side with the MLLC and the contralateral side.
• Absence of significant motion artifacts, metal artifacts, or reconstruction errors in the regions to be measured.

You may not qualify if:

• CBCT images of insufficient quality for morphometric measurement or anatomical assessment.
• Inability to clearly identify the mandibular canal, mental foramen, MLLC, or sublingual fossa boundaries.
• Presence of bilateral mandibular lateral lingual canals.
• History of surgery, trauma, fracture, resection, bone grafting, or implant placement in the mandibular region under evaluation.
• Motion or metal artifacts that prevent reliable visualization or measurement of the anatomical structures.
• History of systemic disease or syndrome affecting craniofacial or mandibular development.
• Presence of cystic or tumoral lesions, exostoses, or other pathological changes affecting the region of interest.
• History of orthodontic treatment affecting the region evaluated.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Recep Tayyip Erdogan University Training and Research Hospital: lead

Central Study Contacts

dilara nil günaçar

CONTACT

05412940104; dilaranil.tomrukcu@erdogan.edu.tr

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CONTROL
• Time Perspective: RETROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 2, 2026
• First Posted: August 7, 2026
• Study Start: August 4, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): September 10, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): September 30, 2026
• Last Updated: August 7, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share