Morphological study of accessory foramina in mandible and its clinical implication

Abstract

Background: To provide anatomical information on the position and incidence of accessory foramina in mandible as they are important for dental surgeons and anesthetists in achieving complete nerve blocks and for avoiding injury to neurovascular structures passing through them. Materials and Methods: Fifty dried adult human mandibles of Indian origin were scrutinized in a regular manner with a magnifying glass. The accessory foramina and their positions were observed. Results: The accessory lingual foramen may be regarded as a constant finding with incidence of 88%. Frequency of infraspinous was lower than this (i.e., 70%) and that of lateral spinous was 28%. Accessory mandibular foramina were found in 48%, accessory mental in 22%, and retromolar in 18% of the cases. Conclusion: Macroscopic observations revealed the presence of accessory foramina in most of the investigated mandibles. The anatomical variability of incidence and position of accessory foramina should be considered as they may be used to give additional locoregional anesthesia in case of failed mandibular blocks. Knowledge of the commonest positions will be beneficial for oncologists and oromaxillofacial surgeons in planning graft implants.