Panoramic radiographic patterns of the infraorbital canal and anterior superior dental plexus

OBJECTIVE: To describe and classify the presentations of the infra-orbital canal/groove (IOC/G) complex and anterior superior dental plexus (ASDP) on panoramic radiographs. METHODS: The frequency of occurrence and variations in appearance of the IOC/G were determined on 246 random panoramic radiographs. A classification system consisting of Types I, II and III was developed to describe the radiographic patterns of the IOC/G. RESULTS: Two hundred radiographs (81.3%) demonstrated evidence of the IOG/C. The most frequent appearance of the IOC was Type III (44.75%) closely followed by Type I (42%) and Type II (13.25%), with only minor differences in prevalence between right and left sides. Sixty one percent were bilateral. Radiologic evidence of the ASDP was noted in 29% of radiographs demonstrating an IOG/C with 12% of cases being bilateral. Three distinct radiographic patterns of the anterior superior dental plexus (ASDP) were also observed. CONCLUSION: A classification of the appearance of the IOC/G and ASDP on panoramic radiographs has been presented.