Evaluation of the size and location of the mental foramen and anterior loop of the lower alveolar nerve in the Brazilian population using cone beam computed tomography

Caroline Chepernate Vieira Dos Santos,Fernanda Costa Yogui,Izabella Sol,Karen Rawen Tonini,Leda Maria Pescinini Salzedas,Daniela Ponzoni

doi:10.33448/rsd-v10i8.17216

Caroline Chepernate Vieira Dos Santos, Fernanda Costa Yogui + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v10i8.17216

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Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the size, shape and location of the mental foramen (MF) and anterior loop (AL) in the Brazilian population through the analysis of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and panoramic radiography (PR). Method: We analyzed the location, shape and size of the MF, the distance between the upper wall of the MF and the alveolar crest (AC), the size of the AL and the presence of lingual anastomosis. Results: Fifty PR and CBCT exams were analyzed. In relation to the MF, the most common location was between premolars (56%), the most common shape was the oval shape (83%) and the average size in the PR was 3.63 mm and in the CBCT was3.66 mm. The average distance from the MF to the AC in the PR was 17.29 mm and in the CBCT was 11.48 mm. The average AL size was 3 mm, the smallest being 1 mm and the largest being 5 mm. Static analysis was performed to verify the relationship between the distance from the foramen to the AC with the values that were found in the PR and CBCT, which showed a statistically significant difference (p=<0.001) between them. Lingual anastomosis could be seen in 22% of the analyzed hemimandibles. Conclusion: CBCT is a reliable diagnostic test for planning rehabilitation near the MF. The distance between the implant and the foramen must be analyzed individually.

Highlights

Osseointegrated implants are essential for dental practice in the oral rehabilitation of totally edentulous patients and patients with partial, multiple or single edentulism
One of the most common accidents associated with the installation of implants in the intraforaminal chin region are sensorineural disorders, because the diameter, location and shape of the mandibular canal and mental foramen (MF) are considered a structural and anatomical variation among individuals
The aim of this study was to evaluate the size, shape and localization of the MF and anterior loop (AL) in the Brazilian population through cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and panoramic analysis to provide a greater scientific basis for the surgical practice of implant placement in the intraforaminal region. This is a retrospective, observational and cross-sectional study that analyzed the images of CBCT and panoramic xrays taken in the period of 2013 to 2019 in the Radiology Center of the Araçatuba Dental School – UNESP

Summary

Introduction

Osseointegrated implants are essential for dental practice in the oral rehabilitation of totally edentulous patients and patients with partial, multiple or single edentulism. Like any surgical technique, dental implants are liable to complications (Ramalho-Ferreira et al, 2010). Knowledge of anatomy and its variations becomes extremely important to avoid iatrogenic events (Apostolakis & Brown 2012; Morgado 2013). In this context, after the loss of teeth, there is a continuous process of resorption of the alveolar bone, directly interfering with the bone availability in the region and generating limitations in the installation of implants due to the presence of the vascular-nervous bundle (Greenstein & Tamow 2006)

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