Morphometric Analysis of the Mental Foramen and Mandibular Canal Using Orthopantomogram and Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: A Comparative Radiographic Study

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: A pre-operative radiographic evaluation of the morphometry of the mental foramen (MF) and its true relationship to the alveolar crest (AC) and the mandibular canal (MC) and its true relationship to the roots of the mandibular third molar (M3) would help in negating possible sensory impairment during surgical procedures. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 50 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and orthopantomogram (OPG) images of the same patients were selected. The diameters of MF, MC, distance between AC-MF and distance between apices of 3rd molar-MC were measured. Results: On OPG and CBCT, the mean values of the vertical diameter of MF were found as 3.044 mm and 2.948 mm, whereas the mean horizontal diameters obtained were 3.033 mm and 3.023 mm, respectively. The mean values of the diameter of MC were measured at 2.750 mm and 2.894 mm, respectively. The mean values of distance from M3 apex to MC and distance from AC to MF were obtained as 1.371 mm and 1.748 mm and 14.715 mm and 13.656 mm, respectively. Conclusion: The difference in the mean values of the diameter of the MF was statistically insignificant. The rest of the parameters gave us values which were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Therefore, in an era of steadfast increased use of dental implants and frequent need for planning disimpactions, the use of CBCT can truly help us dislodge the limitations of two-dimensional imaging and thereby help us carry out such surgical procedures more efficiently and with no or minimal complications.