Abstract
BackgroundThe mental foramen (MF) is a small foramen located in the anterolateral region of the mandible through which the mental nerve and vessels emerge. The knowledge on the anatomic characteristics and variations of MF is very important in surgical procedures involving that area. The aim of this study was two-fold: firstly, to analyze the anatomic characteristics of MF and the presence of accessory mental foramen (AMF) using CBCT and, secondly, to compare the capability of CBCT and PAN in terms of MF and AMF visualization, as well as influencing factors.Material and MethodsA sample of 344 CBCT scans was analyzed for presence and characteristics (i.e. diameter, area, shape, exit angle) of MF and AMF. Subsequently, corresponding PANs were analyzed to ascertain whether MF and AMF were visible.ResultsOut of the 344 patients, 344 (100%) MFs and 45 (13%) AMFs were observed on CBCT. Regarding gender, MF diameter and area, MF-MIB and MF-MSB distances, and exit angle were all significantly higher in males. Also, statistically significant differences were found in terms of age and dental status. Statistically significant differences in MF long and short diameters and MF area were found with respect to AMF presence (p=.021, p=.008, p=.021). Only 83.87% of the MFs and 45.83% of the AMFs identified on CBCT were also visible on PANs. MF diameter, shape, exit angle, and age had a significant influence on MF visualization on PAN (B=.43, p=.005; B=-.55, p=.020; B=.20, p=.008; B=.61, p=.005).ConclusionsPAN is not an adequate technique to properly identify MF and AMF. Diameter, shape, exit angle, and age are all factors influencing MF visualization on PAN images. For surgery involving the MF anatomical region, a preoperative radiological study with CBCT is of crucial importance to avoid complications. Key words:Mental foramen, accessory mental foramen, mandibular anatomy, cone beam computed tomography, panoramic radiography.
Highlights
The mental foramen (MF) is the opening through which the mental nerve exits the mandible and is usually located either between the roots of the first and second mandibular premolars or apical to the second premolar
For surgery involving the MF anatomical region, a preoperative radiological study with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is of crucial importance to avoid complications
The study sample consisted of 205 females (59.6%) and 139 males (40.4%). -Mental foramen and accessory mental foramen on cone beam computed tomography
Summary
The mental foramen (MF) is the opening through which the mental nerve exits the mandible and is usually located either between the roots of the first and second mandibular premolars or apical to the second premolar. The aim of this study was two-fold: firstly, to analyze the anatomic characteristics of MF and the presence of AMF using CBCT and, secondly, to compare the capability of CBCT and PAN in terms of MF and AMF visualization. The aim of this study was two-fold: firstly, to analyze the anatomic characteristics of MF and the presence of accessory mental foramen (AMF) using CBCT and, secondly, to compare the capability of CBCT and PAN in terms of MF and AMF visualization, as well as influencing factors. 83.87% of the MFs and 45.83% of the AMFs identified on CBCT were visible on PANs. MF diameter, shape, exit angle, and age had a significant influence on MF visualization on PAN (B=.43, p=.005; B=-.55, p=.020; B=.20, p=.008; B=.61, p=.005)
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