Contemporary 3rd molar removal

Howe and Poyton (1960) found that darkening of the root was the most reliable sign indicating the true relationship of the third molar with the inferior alveolar canal on the X-ray. They reported that 93.1% of the teeth in true relationship to the canal showed this sign whereas 33.7% of teeth were in true relationship with the canal when narrowing of the Inferior Alveolar canal was seen on the radiograph.