Prevalence of lingual foramina in the anterior mandible: A cone-beam computed tomography study

Abstract

Context: Serious hemorrhagic complications can result from arterial trauma associated with perforation of the lingual cortical plate or injury to the terminal branches of the sublingual and submental arteries that pierce the lingual cortex of the mandible in the anterior region. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of lingual foramina (LF) in the anterior mandible by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to determine the presence and number of foramina, lingual foramina canal length (LFC), distance from the base of the mandible to the entrance of the LFC, distance from the base of the mandible to the end of the LFC, distance from the end of the LFC to the buccal cortical plate, and diameter of the LFC, and to attempt to find a relation between the data obtained to age, sex, and dental condition. Settings and Design: This study design involves a retrospective cross-sectional study. Methods: A total of 303 CBCT images were evaluated of the anterior mandible with software and recorded the measurements into a spreadsheet, which was converted into graphs and tables. The CBCTs were assessed based on sex, age, and dental condition. Statistical Analysis Used: Fisher’s exact test and Student’s t-test. Results: We found a prevalence rate of 99.3%. The foramina were evident in 102 (99.0%) men and 199 (99.5%) women. The most prevalent number of canals was two (47.5%). The superior canal presented as greater length (7.25 ± 2.04 mm) and diameter (0.95 ± 0.58 mm). Conclusion: The prevalence of LF is high, and their presence is not related to sex, age, or dental condition.