Background: The frequent use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has drawn attention to the anatomical
variations of the mandibular canal (MC). This study aimed to analyze the bifid mandibular canal (BMC) types,
frequency, and impact of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB).
Methods: This study included 142 CBCT scans. For the analysis of the BMC types, an established classification
method was used. CBCT sagittal and transverse planes were used to analyze the occurrences, dimensions of
the BMC types, and differences based on the sex and age of patients.
Results: The frequency of BMC was 9.2%. There were no statistically significant differences in the occurrence
related to sex (P = 0.317), age (P = 1.000), or localization (P = 0.317). The average BMC diameter ranged
from 1.2 to 2.5 mm. The largest BMC diameter was in the retromolar region.
Conclusion: The high incidence of BMC must be considered during IANB. Untimely identification of anatomic
variations in the MC can lead to IANB anesthesia failure, as well as intraoperative and postoperative complications.
