Three-dimensional observation of the mandible and accessory mental nerve using Sihler's staining technique

Abstract

It is generally known that there are two mental foramina and two mandibular foramina. It is also known that occasionally there are some accessory foramina in the mandible, including lingual, buccal, retromolar, and accessory mental foramina. Among these accessory foramina, the accessory mental foramen in particular is located in a dangerous area for the oral surgeon1).The reported incidence of an accessory mental foramen ranges from 2.0% to 11.9%. We can easily diagnose accessory mental foramina using three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT). However, it is sometimes difficult to diagnose the accessory mental foramina using panoramic findings alone2). There are few reports of accessory mental nerves branching off the accessory mental foramina.In this study, we investigated the distribution patterns of the accessory mental nerve using Sihler's staining and transparency technique and 3D-CT images. We were able to observe the relations among the mandible and the accessory mental foramen and the accessory mental nerve