Clinical assessment of the relationship between the third molar and the inferior alveolar canal using panoramic images and computed tomography.

Purpose: To predict the relationship between lower third molars and the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) from panoramic radiographs, and to establish criteria for using computed tomography (CT).

Materials And Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed involving 443 patients (695 teeth). Predictor variables were the distance between the third molar and the IAC, and findings according to the Rood's criteria.