Spatial Relationship between Mandibular Third Molars and Inferior Alveolar Nerve using a Volume Rendering Software

Precise localization of the third molars in relation to the inferior alveolar nerve canal is critical from a clinical point of view and strongly affects the surgical treatment outcome. Recently, by using three-dimensional modeling software, the relationship of third molar root apices and inferior alveolar nerve canal can be better understood. In this study, the spatial relationship of two surgical sites of 19 impacted third molars with close relationship to the inferior alveolar nerve canal is described by using imaging data from a cone beam computed tomography system. This study aimed to investigate the ability of three-dimensional modeling of tooth-nerve relationship using the data imported to Amira 5.2.2 imaging software.