VERIFICAÇÃO DOS SINAIS RADIOGRÁFICOS MAIS FREQÜENTES DA RELAÇÃO DO TERCEIRO MOLAR INFERIOR COM O CANAL

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the type and frequency of the radiographic signs of an intimate relationship between the lower third molar and the mandibular canal through the use of panoramic radiography. The sample comprised 31 lower third molars that radiologically presented an intimate relationship with the mandibular canal. For evaluation purposes panoramic radiographs and the classifications described in the literature were used, observing the types of radiographic sign. The results showed that the most frequent type of radiographic sign was darkening of the apices with 14 (45.2%) cases, followed by the islet-shaped apex with five (16.1%) cases and narrowing of the mandibular canal with four (12.9%). Despite having a number of limitations, panoramic radiography can be useful for identifying the presence of an intimate relationship between the roots of third molars and the inferior alveolar nerve. The true relationship will be elicited using tomography as a method of evaluation.