Assessment of mental loop using cone beam computed tomography in a sample of Egyptians

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Although the inferior alveolar nerve had been described as a single entity that travels through the mandibular canal and leaves it through the mental foramen directly giving rise to mental nerve, presence of mental loop was reported. Improper identification of mental loop led to increasing the incidence of nerve injury during surgical procedures especially implant placement. Objective of the study: The purpose of this study was to assess mental loop and its length among a sample of Egyptians, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: Two hundred and sixty-seven CBCTs were collected in which one hundred were males and one hundred and sixty-seven were females, then evaluated for the presence of the mental loop. The length of the loop was measured on reconstructed panoramic views of CBCT using on demand software. Results: Mental loop was present in one hundred and nine patients (40% of the patients), 63 females and 46 males. The minimum length observed was 2.27 mm. while the maximum length was 7.18mm and the mean length was 4.36±.96mm. There was no significant difference between males and females. Conclusions: High prevalence of mental loop was detected in Egyptians. Based on this finding proper identification of mental loop by the method explained in this study prior to surgical planning is essential. Keywords: Anatomical variant, CBCT, inferior alveolar canal, mental nerve loop