Geometric accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging of the mandibular nerve

Objectives: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not routinely used for dental implant planning. A prerequisite for dental implant planning is the accurate imaging of risk structures like the mandibular nerve. The geometric accuracy of the imaging of the mandibular nerve was investigated. Methods: Two human cadaver heads were scanned using MRI. Computed tomography (CT) scans of the same heads were used as a benchmark. Using a stereotactic frame, corresponding images of MRI and CT were superimposed and the concordance of the images of the mandibular nerve in MRI with those of the mandibular canal in CT was assessed. Results: The geometric accuracy of the mandibular nerve in MRI was as good as that of the mandibular canal in CT imaging. Conclusions: MRI of the mandibular nerve is sufficiently accurate for the use of this imaging method in dental implant planning.