Evaluation of the position of lingula mandible, mental foramen and lingual foramen of individuals in the 7-17 age groups via Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

Objective: The identification of landmarks in mandible is an important stage before dental procedures ın pediatric patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the location of lingula mandible, mental foramen (MF) and lingual foramen (LF) in a paediatric population. 
 Methods: The distance of lingula mandible to the anterior, posterior, superior, and inferior borders of mandible and to distal edge of the alveolar socket of the 1st molar tooth were measured. MF and LF distance to the top of the alveolar crest and the inferior edge of the basis mandibulae were determined. The horizontal location of MF was evaluated. 
 Results: The distance between lingula mandible and the sigmoid notch, the inferior border of the ramus, the anterior border of the ramus and the posterior border of the ramus was 18.63±4.52 mm, 24.81 ± 5.19 mm 14.67±2.39 mm, and 15.14 ± 3.06 mm respectively. The MF was mostly located between long axes of first and second premolar teeth. LF is closer to the inferior edge of the basis mandibulae. 
 Conclusion: It is necessary to determine anatomical landmarks in children prior to the surgical operations to prevent the possible neurovascular complications.