Locating the Mandibular Foramen Relative to the Occlusal Plane using Panoramic Radiography

Abstract

The aim of this study was to locate the mandibular foramen in relation to the occlusal plane using panoramic radiography in 7-10-year-old children referred to the Mashhad School of Dentistry. A total of 200 panoramic radiographs and 200 madibular dental casts related to patients aged 7-10 years were available for examination applying Planmeca software. Mesiodistal width of the endmost fully erupted tooth on both left and right sides of each cast was measured. Having scanned the radiographs, the measured widths were input in the software in millimeter to calibrate the radiographs magnification. Then, points of study were determined and lines were drawn from the most anterosuperior point of the mandibular canal to the occlusal plane, as well as to the anterior, posterior and inferior borders of ramus on the scanned radiographs by the software. Also gonial angle was measured by the software. Finally, a total of four lines and one angle were available for each side on the radiographs. In about 4 of 7-year-olds, who were all girls, the most anterosuperior point of the mandibular canal was acquired above the occlusal plane. As the children reached the age of 10, this amount increased to 86 in both sexes. The gonial angle had a negative correlation with the distances between the most anterosuperior points of the mandibular canal to each mandibular border. The inferior alveolar nerve anesthesia should be administered above the occlusal plane in 10-year-old children. © 2011 Asian Network for Scientific Information.