Anatomical description of retromolar foramina in dry human mandibles: incidence, morphometry, and topography

Luiz Felipe Palma,Leonardo Augusto Lombardi

doi:10.1590/1981-863720180002000053341

Luiz Felipe Palma, Leonardo Augusto Lombardi

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1981-863720180002000053341

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Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To carry out morphometric, topographic, incidence analysis of retromolar foramina in dry adult human mandibles, and relate the findings to Dental practice. Methods: 265 mandibles were evaluated simultaneously by two researchers. With the aid of metal wires, each retromolar foramen was classified regarding diameter. Foramina with a diameter smaller than 0.5mm were not taken into account. Results: Retromolar foramina were observed in 23.4% of cases, with a higher bilateral incidence (with distinction of both antimeres), and up to 4 of them located in the same mandible. Furthermore, most foramina had a diameter between 0.5 and 1mm. Conclusion: The retromolar foramina are clinically relevant findings and should never be underestimated by clinicians.

Highlights

Retromolar foramina were observed in 23.4% of cases, with a higher bilateral incidence, and up to 4 of them located in the same mandible
The triangular-shaped region previously delimited by the mandibular third molar tooth, medially by the temporal crest, and laterally by the anterior margin of the mandibular ramus is denominated the retromolar trigone [1,2,3]
Consists of the external opening of a canal localized within the mandibular body, denominated the retromolar canal (RC) [4,5]

Summary

Introduction

The triangular-shaped region previously delimited by the mandibular third molar tooth, medially by the temporal crest, and laterally by the anterior margin of the mandibular ramus is denominated the retromolar trigone [1,2,3]. Anatomical description of retromolar foramina in dry human mandibles: incidence, morphometry, and topography. Consists of the external opening of a canal localized within the mandibular body, denominated the retromolar canal (RC) [4,5]. It has been elucidated in the literature, it is normally neglected by surgeons, in addition to not being mentioned in books on Dentistry or in the official Anatomic Terminology [6,7]. Conventional panoramic radiographs are not capable of showing these foramina and canals satisfactorily [3,8,9]

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Discussion

Conclusion