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Growth & Development

67 - Pediatric Inferior Alveolar Nerve Anatomy: Considering the Bifid Presentation

Friday, May 22, 2026
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM PST
Has Audio

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Anna Dursztman, DDS

    Resident
    Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
    Louisiana State University School of Dentistry
    New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

    • Program Director(s)

  • SR

    Sterling M. Roberts, DDS

    Program Director, Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry
    LSUHSC-NO
    New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Pediatric Inferior Alveolar Nerve Anatomy: Considering the Bifid Presentation

Purpose: The aim of this retrospective observational study was to illuminate the understanding of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and canal anatomy in pediatric patients at LSU College of Dentistry. Specifically, the goal was to identify the presence or absence of the bifid variation of the IAN.

Methods: A report was drawn from the postgraduate endodontic department at LSU; it identified patients of age 18 years and younger who had received panoramic and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging within the date range of July 1st 2022 and December 10th 2024. The IAN was identified on each image along with a note on whether the bifid variation was observed. Patient age, gender, and race were also noted.

Results: Twenty-five subjects fit the inclusion criteria for this study. From this group, two of the subjects were determined to have the bifid inferior alveolar canal variant based on their CBCT radiograph. However, only one inferior alveolar canal could be visualized on each of the associated panoramic radiographs. The p value is 0.5.

Conclusions: This retrospective study suggests that the bifid variation of the inferior alveolar canal may be present in some pediatric patients. Due to study limitations - primarily the retrospective nature and access to imaging - there were subjects whose CBCT image suggested two inferior alveolar canals but who did not have an associated panoramic radiograph and therefore did not fit the inclusion. Similarly, there were patients with the bifid presentation based on the panoramic radiograph but whose CBCT did not scan the necessary area (ie. maxilla only). Although the data suggests that a single canal is much more common than two, additional research would be needed to further understand the topic and its clinical implications. Findings may inform improved localization strategies for inferior alveolar nerve blocks in pediatric dental patients.