Mental Foramen Location in an Indian Subpopulation: A Retrospective Orthopantomogram Study

Abstract

Background: Mental foramen (MF) transmits main neurovascular structures – the terminal branches of inferior alveolar nerves and vessels. It is a critical anatomical landmark and its position can have an impact while performing surgeries, administering local anesthesia, and during other invasive procedures. Aim: The present study aims to determine the prevalence of MF location in an Indian subpopulation using a panoramic radiograph/orthopantomogram. Materials and Methods: Panoramic radiographs of patients who reported to the outpatient department of a private dental college in Faridabad, Haryana, were obtained. A total of 500 digital panoramic radiographs of dentate patients which fulfilled the inclusion criteria were evaluated. The position of MF in relation to premolar crowns and apices based on a scoring system was assessed. Collected data were subjected to statistical analysis and P = 0.05 was considered a set point. Results: The most common position of MF coincided with the region distal to first premolar cusp tip or mesial to second premolar cusp tip or apex (Score 3) in males as well as in females. The second-most common location for MF is directly inferior to second premolar cusp tip or apex (Score 4) and MF was seen rarest in the region anterior to first premolar cusp tip or apex (Score 1). Conclusion: The most common position of MF was found distal to first premolar cusp tip or mesial to second premolar cusp tip or apex.