Assessment of the frequency and the course of anterior loop of mandibular canal near mental foramen using CBCT

Abstract

The identification of the MC is an important prerequisite for surgical procedures. Hence a careful evaluation of MC and evaluation of presence and course of AL prior to any surgical procedures is mandatory. In this regard CBCT has proven to be a valuable diagnostic tool. To assess the frequency and the course of AL of MC near mental foramen, to evaluate age-related and gender-related changes of AL and also to correlate the variations of the located AL of the same image bilaterally using existing CBCT scans. To assess the frequency and Length of the AL of MC near mental foramen on CBCT. To evaluate the age-related and gender-related & side-related changes of AL of MC by using CBCT. To evaluate different AL anatomical variants by using CBCT. CBCT images were retrospectively evaluated. Scans of the patients were made at 90 kVp and 12 mA at different resolutions. The FOV was 8-8 cm. Slices thickness of 0.150mm to evaluate the location on MC & AL. The frequency of AL among the subjects was 44%, with significant prevalence in females (25.3%). The AL was found more commonly in the younger age group & was present bilaterally.