Evaluation of medial lingual foramen with cone-beam computed tomography in a Turkish adult population

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to characterize the anatomical findings of the MLF in a Turkish population, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
 Methodology: The CBCT images of 350 untreated patients (164 male, 186 female ranging in age between 18 and 65) were included in this study. The distribution of MLFs were determined in axial, sagittal, and coronal planes by considering gender and side. For statistical evaluation, a chi-square test was used to analyze independent samples. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
 Results: At least 1 canal was observed in all subjects (n = 350). The most common result was a single canal. Among the 164 male patients (46.86%), 98 had 1 canal (59.75%); 59 had 2 canals (35.97%); and 7 had 3 canals (4.26%). Among the 186 female patients (53.14%), 134 (72.04%) had 1 conduit or canal; 49 (26.34%) had 2 canals; and only 3 case (1.61%) presented with 3 canals. Difference between genders was statistically significant.
 Conclusions: Vascular canals and anastomoses presence in anterior mandible which are sufficient for severe hemorrhage complications. The distribution of MLFs must be taken into account during presurgical planning.