The Real Anatomy of Mandibular Canal: “New Features and Prospectives in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery"

Background/aim: The anatomy of the mandibular canal (MC) has been extensively described in the literature. Numerous studies have investigated its anatomical variations and anomalies. Different methods have been used to study the mandibular bone over the years and different classifications have been proposed. Patients and methods: A literature search was performed to identify articles regarding Mandibular Canal, Bifid and Trifid Mandibular Canal. This search used the PUBMED and WoS computer databases in the years from 1931 to 2023. Studies that did not fall within the scope of the search were excluded, such as those in which the abstract provided insufficient information for the preliminary evaluation. In addition, some articles not selected by the database search, including those on etiopathogenesis were manually entered. For all studies considered eligible, the full texts of the articles were searched and downloaded. Results: Based on the analysis of the literature, the variants of the MC should be classified as bifid MC, trifid MC, intramandibular accessory canals and dental canals. Extramandibular buccal and lingual canals require focused research, because they are very frequent, numerous, and they have nutrient functions. Conclusion: This article highlights some important radiological and anatomic aspects regarding variations of the MC and their clinical implications in relation to their actual classification. Some classifications have only statistical and historical value without real utility for dentists and oral surgeons. The presence of duplications may cause perioperative complications if they are not correctly recognized. New studies should be conducted on the different variations of MC in its anterior, middle and posterior. A more useful classification is proposed.