Mental foramen mimicking as periapical pathology - A case report

Anusha Rangare Lakshman,Chaithra Kalkur,Kishor Kannepady

doi:10.17532/jhsci.2014.173

Abstract

The radiographic recognition of any disease requires a thorough knowledge of the radiographic appearance of normal structure. Intelligent diagnosis mandates an appreciation of the wide range of variation in the appearance of normal anatomical structures. The mental foramen is usually the anterior limit of the inferior dental canal that is apparent on radiographs. It opens on the facial aspect of the mandible in the region of the premolars. It can pose diagnostic dilemma radiographically because of its anatomical variation which can mimic as a periapical pathosis. Hereby we are reporting a rare case of superimposed mental foramen over the apex of right mandibular second premolar mimicking as periapical pathology.

Highlights

Many articles have been reported about various conditions that may mimic periapical inflammatory lesion such as carcinoma (1), odontogenic cyst (2) and periapical cemental dysplasia (3) etc
Film processing errors has been reported to mimic the appearance of periapical infection (4), while normal anatomies such as the mental foramen or incisive foramina are familiar as radiolucencies that may overlie teeth and cause diagnostic confusion
This case report enlightens an anatomical variation of mental foramen (MF) manifesting as well defined periapical radiolucency in relation to the roots of

Summary

Introduction

Many articles have been reported about various conditions that may mimic periapical inflammatory lesion such as carcinoma (1), odontogenic cyst (2) and periapical cemental dysplasia (3) etc. Film processing errors has been reported to mimic the appearance of periapical infection (4), while normal anatomies such as the mental foramen or incisive foramina are familiar as radiolucencies that may overlie teeth and cause diagnostic confusion. A 30 year old male patient reported to the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology with the complaint of tooth decay in the lower right back tooth jaw region since six months. It was associated with dull, intermittent, non-radiating type of pain. The mandibular second premolar revealed diffuse coronal radiolucency approximating the pulp with intact lamina dura in the periapical region.

Discussion

Conclusion