EVALUATION OF THE RELATIVE POSITION OF THE MANDIBULAR FORAMEN IN YEMENI CHILDREN AS A REFERENCE FOR INFERIOR ALVEOLAR NERVE BLOCK USING AN ORTHOPANTAMOGRAPH

Abstract

Aim and objectives: A crucial component of managing a kid dentistry patient's behavior is pain control. For mandibular teeth, the most used local anesthetic method is inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). So, an effective IANB anesthetic requires knowledge of the mandibular foramen's location. Using digital panoramic radiography pictures, the mandibular foramen's position in relation to the occlusal plane and the deepest point of the anterior border of the ramus was assessed in a sample of Yemeni children aged 4 to 12. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study consisted of 501 orthodontic charts that were analyzed and divided into three groups: Group 1: 4-6 years, Group 2: 7-9 years and Group 3: 10-12 years. The OPGS were traced directly on radiographic films and measurements were taken from the mandibular foramen to the occlusal level and to the deepest point of the anterior border of the ramus, respectively, on the right and left sides of the mandible. Data were analyzed and the mean and SD were determined and compared for different gender, age groups and side (right/left). Results: Male participants showed slightly higher mean distance values for MF-AB-Right compared to females (16.276±2.03 mm VS 15.952±1.82), but the contrast was not statistically significant. The study found significant differences in the mean MF distances of ABR between the 10-12 year age group and the 4-6 year age group (16.518±1.86 mm VS 15.487±1.95 mm), (p=0.0001). The mean OP-MF distances for the 10-12 year age group were also significant, with significant differences observed in the right side and left side. Conclusion: The results were similar for the total children, regardless of gender. The study suggests that the mandibular foramina position may vary among different age groups. For inferior alveolar nerve block, the needle should be inserted slightly below the OP in 4-6 years old girls and at the same level of OP in 7-9 years old girls, and 4-6 years old boys. Peer Review History: Received 23 March 2024; Revised 6 May 2024; Accepted 29 June; Available online 15 July 2024 Academic Editor: Dr. Asia Selman Abdullah, Pharmacy institute, University of Basrah, Iraq, asia_abdullah65@yahoo.com Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, amaka_mgbahurike@yahoo.com Dr. Masoumeh Divar, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran, zhaledivar@gmail.com