Determination of Position of Mental Foramen on CBCT

Abstract

Aim: To determine the position of mental foramen based on the height from alveolar crest and lower border of the mandible from CBCT scans. Objective: The purpose of the study is to determine the position of mental foramen based on the height from alveolar crest and lower border of the mandible from CBCT scans. Materials and Method: A total of 50 CBCT scans will be evaluated. The number, size and form of the mental foramen will be recorded and their three dimensional relationship with the mandibular premolars will be observed and noted. The position of each mental foramen relative to bony reference points will be measured and distances from mental foramen to the cement enamel junctions of the mandibular premolars will be measured. Data will be analyzed and results will be determined. Results: The average values were obtained for the distance between the mental foramen and the alveolar crest, mental foramen to the lower border of the mandible the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the mental foramen. All of the individuals has a single mental foramen which was ovoid in shape. The mean horizontal dimensions were (2.70±0.73)mm and (2.73±0.72)mm on the right and left sides respectively. Vertical dimensions were (2.20±0.65)mm and (1.86±0.16)mm respectively on the right and left sides. Mean distances from the mental foramen to alveolar crest and the lower border of the mandible were (11.35±3.92,10.48±2.84) and (9.47±1.48, 9.72±1.38) respectively. Conclusion: The average values obtained from the study help in understanding the anatomy and position of the mental foramen better on CBCT. The detailed information about the relationship between mental foramen and its surrounding structures will facilitate diagnostic and surgical procedures done in the oral and maxillofacial region.