Morphological and morphometric analysis of mental foramen utilizing various assessment parameters in dry human mandibles

Abstract

Introduction: The mental foramen (MF) is a strategically important landmark during surgical interventions and anaesthetic blockage procedures involving the mental nerve. The purpose of this study was to assess various parameters pertaining to the morphology and morphometry of the mental foramen in 93 dry human mandibles. Methodology: Measurements were taken as the distance between alveolar margin and MF, distance between MF and base of the mandible, distance between symphysis menti and MF and distance between MF and posterior border of the ramus of the mandible. The study also included the relation of MF with the lower teeth (the position of the MF was recorded as lying in line with the long axis of a tooth or interdental space in one of the six types, 1 to 6). Results: The most common shape of the foramen was oval (70%). The most common position of the MF as related to the lower set of teeth was in line with the second premolar. The mean distance between symphysis menti and anterior margin of MF was 18.8mm (SD= 12.02) and 19.6mm (SD= 12.18), on the right and left sides respectively. Mean distance between posterior margin of MF and posterior border of ramus was 48.8 mm (SD=28.6) on the right side and 47.9 mm (SD=28.1) on the left side. Mean distance between alveolar crest and superior margin of MF was 10.2 mm (SD= 5.4) on right side and 10 mm (SD=5.2) on the left side. Mean distance between inferior margin of MF and lower border of the body of mandible was 9.9 mm (SD= 5.12) on the right side and 10.1 mm (SD= 5.2) on the left side. Conclusion: The study carries clinical credibility in ascertaining the accurate location of the MF and thus avoiding any unforeseen injury related to anaesthesia or dental surgeries.