Radiographic Predictors of the Mandibular Lateral Lingual Canal

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Mandibular Canal Visibility CBCT Segmentation Mandible

Age range

18 year–75 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

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.

Exclusion criteria

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.

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

Mandibular Canal Diameter

Time frame: Baseline (retrospective CBCT assessment)

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.

Secondary outcomes

Mental Foramen Diameter

Time frame: Baseline (retrospective CBCT assessment)

Mental foramen diameter will be measured in millimeters (mm) in the superoinferior direction on CBCT images on both sides. Higher values indicate a larger mental foramen diameter.
Sublingual Fossa Depth

Time frame: Baseline (retrospective CBCT assessment)

Sublingual fossa depth will be measured in millimeters (mm) as the perpendicular distance from the deepest point of the sublingual fossa to a reference line connecting the superior and inferior borders of the lingual cortical surface. Higher values indicate a deeper sublingual fossa.
Mandibular Lateral Lingual Canal Diameter

Time frame: Baseline (retrospective CBCT assessment)

The diameter of the mandibular lateral lingual canal (MLLC) foramen will be measured in millimeters (mm) on CBCT images. Higher values indicate a larger MLLC diameter.
Mandibular Lateral Lingual Canal Location

Time frame: Baseline (retrospective CBCT assessment)

The anatomical location of the mandibular lateral lingual canal will be determined according to the tooth region through which the canal courses. The outcome will be reported as the frequency and percentage of canals identified in each anatomical location.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

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CONTACT

[email protected]

05412940104

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Recep Tayyip Erdogan University Training and Research Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Mandibular Canal Dimensions and Sublingual Fossa Morphology as Predictors of the Mandibular Lateral Lingual Canal

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Aug 7, 2026
Registry last updated: Aug 7, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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