Third mandibular molar and inferior alveolar nerve: a clinical case of a software elaboration

In few cases third molar in so close to the inferior alveolar nerve that during the extraction is possible to damage the nerve. The damage can expose the patient to the risk of post-operative neuro sensitive alterations of the skin and the mucosa of the homolateral lower lip and chin. The anatomical relationship between the tooth and the nerve can be investigated pre-operatively by mean of the radiographic techniques currently available. In this article is described the case of a third mandibular molar that a first investigation with a orthopantogram show positive radiographic signs of a close relationship between the IAN and the third molar. To evaluated better the relatonship, a Dental CT Scan is prescribed, DICOM image acquisition and a 3D reconstruction and analysis with a software is made: Nobel Clinician. The results: when there are positive radiograph signs of close relationship between IAN and third molar there is the indication to prescibe a CT scan, and the support of a software is not indispensable but it can be a very significant help.