Positional variation and localization of the mental foramen

Abstract

Objectives: The anatomical position of the mental foramen (MF) is variable and the knowledge of its exact location is clinically relevant. Method: Fifty two mental foramina in twenty six dry mandibles were analyzed to ascertain the shape, size, direction, presence of accessory foramina, position in relation to anatomical landmarks in an adult Sri Lankan population. Results: The MF was predominantly oval in shape (96.1 % and 92.3% on the right and left side, respectively) and situated on the longitudinal axis of the mandibular 2nd premolar tooth (63.6% and 45.4% on the right and left side, respectively). The mental foramina were located at a mean distance of 13.34±1.79mm and 12.89±1.56mm, vertically above the lower border of the mandible on the right and left side, respectively, and 13.23±2.69mm and 13.47±3.06mm vertically below the alveolar margin on the right and left side, respectively. The mean distance from the MF to the mandibular midline was 25.65±1.75 and 25.5±1.57 on the right and left side, respectively; the mean distance from the MF to the posterior border of the ramus of mandible was 65.01±5.05 and 64.58±4.38 on the right and left side, respectively. Conclusion: The observations made in this study will be useful for surgeons to localize the mental neurovasculature when planning the mental nerve block or surgery around the mental foramen.