Morphological evaluation of mental foramen using cone-beam computed tomography: A retrospective observational study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim: This study aimed to assess the shape, size, symmetry, and location of mental foramen (MF) in relation to mandibular dental and skeletal landmarks using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: This retrospective observational study was performed on 135 CBCT images of 74 males (mean age 36.16 ± 13.49 years) and 61 females (mean age 37.13 ± 13.53 years). Two independent observers performed the morphometric measurements of MF using CBCT images using Invivo software. Independent t-test and Mann–Whitney test were employed to evaluate the gender differences. A comparison of categorical data was performed using Chi-square test. Intraclass correlation coefficient and Kappa statistics were used to assess interobserver reliability. Results: The most common horizontal and vertical location of MF was the long axis of the second premolars (52.2%) and below the bicuspid root apices (70%), respectively. The most common shape was round (56.6%). Significant gender differences were observed for the MF size (mean width 0.35 mm larger in males), the distance of MF to lower border of mandible (16.10 ± 1.77 mm in males and 14.81 ± 1.48 mm in females), and MF to pogonion (28 ± 2.13 mm in males and 26.62 ± 1.98 mm in females). The horizontal and vertical locations were bilaterally symmetrical in 67.4% and 79.26% of subjects, respectively. Conclusion: Right and left sides of the mandible require separate evaluations since there are differences in the location of the MF on each side. Gender differences were observed in location of MF in the relation to skeletal landmarks. Nevertheless, skeletal landmarks are reliable for locating the MF.