Mental Foramen In Relation Research Articles

Identification of the Position of the Mental Foramen Based on Age in Patients at RSGM UMY Using Panoramic Radiography

The mental foramen is part of the mandible's anatomical structure, found on both sides of the mandible. Identification of the position of the mental foramen is clinically very important in dental practice, including in carrying out anesthesia, implant placement, endodontic treatment, and consideration of surgical procedures around the mental foramen to prevent damage to the nerve tissue and blood vessels that pass through the mental foramen. This study uses panoramic radiograph to determine the position of the mental foramen based on age in patients at Dental and Oral Hospital, UMY (RSGM UMY). This research is descriptive observational with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 132 mental foramen samples from RSGM UMY patients aged 12-35 years were grouped based on age of mandibular development. Data were divided into 6 groups based on the position of the mental foramen in relation to the lower jaw posterior teeth, then processed using a descriptive statistical method using Microsoft Excel. The results of this study showed that in the 12-16 year age group, the position of the mental foramen was most often found in position 3 with 21 (15.91%), while for those aged 17-25 years, it was 32 (24.24%) and for those aged 26-35 years old, 20 (15.15%) is most often found in position 4. Most mental foramen positions reviewed using panoramic radiograph at RSGM UMY were in position 4, parallel to the second premolar of the lower jaw

The Variation of Position of Mental Foramen in Relation to Side and Sex in Northern Region of Bangladesh

Background: The mental foramen is an important anatomical landmarks during surgical intervention and anaesthetic nerve block procedure involving inferior alveolar nerve and mental nerve. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the variation of position of mental foramen in relation to side and sex. Methods: This cross-sectional type of descriptive study was conducted over a period of 1 year from January 2021 to December 2021 in the Department of Anatomy, Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi. This study was performed on 250 dry adult human mandibles (148 were male and 102 were female mandibles) which were collected from the students of Department of Anatomy, Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi as well as other Medical Colleges after fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Data were collected purposively with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire. All the measurements were performed using digital sliding Vernier calipers and the data were analyzed via SPSS software, version 24.0. Statistical significance was evaluated as appropriate probability level p < 0.05 for all tests. Results: The study revealed that 96% of mental foramens were oval in shape. Out of six morphometric parameters of mental foramen, four parameters (Distance from alveolar crest to upper margin, distance from lower border of mandible to lower margin, distance from symphysis menti to medial margin and horizontal diameter of mental foramen) were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) but distance from posterior border of ramus of mandible to lateral margin and vertical diameter of mental foramen were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Horizontal diameter of mental foramen of right halves and vertical diameter of mental foramen of both halves were higher in male than female and these were statistically significant (p < 0.05). But horizontal diameter of mental foramen of left halves between male and female was statistically non-significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study might help us in establishing a reference data-base in our country for the Anatomists in general, Dental Surgeons and Maxillofacial Surgeons. TAJ 2023; 36: No-2: 193-200

Localization of mental foramen in relation to primary molars in children. A cone-beam computed tomography study.

Localization of mental foramen in relation to primary molars in children. A cone-beam computed tomography study.

Morphometric study for the localization of the mental foramen in relation to the vertical reference plane.

The mental foramen (MnF) is the anatomic landmark where the mental neurovascular bundle exits the mandible. Precisely determining the position of the MnF is necessary before all dentoalveolar therapeutic procedures performed in the mandibular premolar area. For the study, we performed two ex vivo direct morphometric determinations on dry human dentate and edentate mandibles, and two in vivo imaging morphometric determinations through cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and orthopantomography (OPG) in dentate human patients. The following landmarks were used to locate the MnF: the distance between the MnF and the superior border of the mandible (MnF-SB), the distance between the MnF and the inferior border of the mandible (MnF-IB), and the position of the MnF in relation to the root apices of the posterior teeth. The results obtained from these data were processed statistically using the analysis of variance (ANOVA). By direct morphometry on dentate mandibles, the MnF was situated closer to the IB and by direct morphometry on completely edentulous mandibles, the MnF was located closer to the SB. In both direct morphometry studies, the MnF transverse diameter was larger than the vertical one, with the MnF having an oval shape. ANOVA for both direct morphometry studies showed that the distances MnF-IB and MnF-SB significantly vary statistically with interactions and depending on age (p<0.00001). The vertical diameter of the MnF significantly varies statistically depending on age, interactions and between studies, and its transverse diameter varies statistically significantly with interactions and depending on age (p<0.00001). According to OPG and CBCT imaging studies, the MnF was located closer to the IB, and the transverse diameter of the MnF was larger than the vertical diameter; such results are similar to the direct morphometry study performed on dry dentate human mandibles. Regarding the position of the MnF in relation to the root apices, it was most frequently located inferior to the root apices in 79.45% of cases, in 19.23% of cases it was located at the root apices level and in 1.31% of cases it was located superior (coronal) to the root apices. ANOVA for both imaging morphometry studies showed that the MnF-IB distance varies statistically significantly with the interactions, the study, the sex of the patients and their age, the MnF-SB distance varies statistically significantly with the interactions, the study and the patients' age (p<0.05), and the MnF diameters vary statistically significantly with interactions and patient age (p<0.05). The results of this study can help dental practitioners in improving dentoalveolar surgery procedures in the posterior mandible.

Study of mental foramen in patients coming to government dental hospital, Jamnagar

Introduction: The Mental foramen is one of two funnel-like openings located on the antero- lateral aspect of the body of the mandible. There are variations in it’s anatomical position in different individuals of different populations. Such variations can cause difficulty in diagnosis of peri-apical lesions. It may result in failure of regional anaesthesia during clinical and surgical procedures required to be administered in the mandibular and mental region. Aims And Objectives: This study was performed to determine the position and bilateral positional symmetry of mental foramen on a digital orthopantomogram (OPG) of the population visiting Government Dental Hospital, Jamnagar. The objective was to document the frequency of location of mental foramen in relation with several teeth in close possible proximity to the mental foramen on digital panoramic radiographs. Materials And Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Government Dental College and Hospital, Jamnagar. Radiographic study of mental foramen of 1270 participants was carried out by analysing their digital orthopantomographs. Mental foramina were analysed with respect to their positions and bilateral symmetry.

The location of the mental foramen in relation to the biometrics of the lower dentition and mandibular arch: A cross-sectional study

Purpose: To evaluate the position of the mental foramen among Malaysian Malays and Chinese based on the biometrics of the lower dentition and mandibular arch dimensions. &#x0D; Materials and methods: The horizontal and vertical position of mental foramen in relation to the midline, roots of teeth, mesiodistal dimension of the anterior and posterior teeth, and the mandibular arch length and width were measured and evaluated in 65 Cone-Beam Computed Tomography scans. &#x0D; Results: The location of mental foramen was predominantly located either between 1st and 2nd premolar or below 2nd premolar. There were no significant differences for all measurements of the mandible in relation to gender and ethnicities. There was a positive correlation of the mesiodistal diameter of the teeth with the mandibular arch length and width. However, mandibular arch length and width did not affect the location of the mental foramen. &#x0D; Conclusions: As the size of the teeth increases, the mandibular arch length and the width increase concurrently. However, regardless of the changes in the biometrics of the mandibular dentition and the arch dimensions, the anatomical position of the mental foramen remains the same. The mental foramen was located at the ratio of 0.5 vertically and 0.27 horizontally in the mandible. The inter-foramina distance of 51.36 mm suggests that Malaysian Mongoloids had sufficient space to receive five implants rigidly joined with a bar.

Determination of a Cone-Beam Computed Tomography based Assessment of Mental Foramen Position

Objective: To assess the occurrence and location of the mental foramen in relation to gender and age by using cone-beam computed tomography.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A descriptive case series study was conducted at department of radiology at advance diagnostic care centre, Institute of Dentistry, Liaquat University of Medical &amp; Health Sciences Hyderabad. One hundred and fifty patients of either gender, having age 18-40 years with retained permanent dentition and recommended for cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) radiograph were selected by non-probability convenient sampling technique. Patients with history of bone disease, old trauma and not willing to participate were excluded. CBCT imaging of each patient will be performed and assessed for occurrence and location of the mental foramen.&#x0D; Results: Out of 150 patients, male were 98 (65.3%) and female were 52 (34.7%) with mean age of 28.8 ± 6.9 (18-40) years. Position 4 was the most common right side horizontal position with 74(49.3%) patients followed by position 3 with 69(46.0%) patients, position 5 with 6(4.0%) patients and position 2 with 1(0.7%) patients. Similarly position 4 was the most common left side horizontal position with 75(50.0%) patients followed by position 3 with 70(46.7%) patients, and position 5 with 5(3.3%) patients. Position 1 was only choice either for right or left side vertical position in all patients i.e., 150 (100.0%).&#x0D; Conclusion: It was concluded from the study that no significant difference was observed in occurrence and location of the mental foramen in relation to gender and age by using cone-beam computed tomography.

Evaluation of implant survival by analysing dental panoramic radiographs: 10-year retrospective study

Background/Aim: Panoramic radiographs have been used widely for pre-implant evaluation and the preparation of treatment protocols. Panoramic radiography is often the first choice method for the implant placements because it gives information on the overall shape of the jaws, the position of the maxillary sinus floor and the nasal cavity floor, and vertical position of the mandibular canal and the mental foramen in relation to dental implants. The specific aim of the present study was to evaluate 10-year survival rate of dental implants by analysis of dental panoramic radiographs. Material and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 507 panoramic radiographs of 156 implant patients. Initial oral health status, proceedings of Restorative/Endodontic treatments before implant placement, missing number of teeth and edentulism types, finalization of implant related prosthetic treatments during controls, implant quality scorings at baseline/ controls and implant fails were analyzed. Results: The study results reveal statistically significant difference between the performed R/E treatment rates, according to the need for R/E treatments (p= 0.008). During the initial radiograph 96.1% of the implants were successful and 3.9% had satisfactory survival. At last control 86% of the implants were successful, 10.3% had satisfactory survival, 1% had impairment in survival and 2.8% were unsuccessful. The change in the last control compared to the initial radiograph is statistically significant (p= 0.000) regarding satisfactory survival. Conclusions: Long-term implant survival is not significantly affected by gender, age, type of edentulism, the presence of periodontal disease, R/E treatment needs, implant location, prosthesis type, and the presence of multiple implants.

Study of the antero-posterior position of the mental foramen in the Nepalese population using digital Panoramic Radiograph

Background: Mental foramen is an important landmark to be considered when operating in the anterior mandible. It is mandatory to identify the location of the foramen to prevent injury to mental nerve and subsequent paresthesia.&#x0D; Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify the position of the mental foramen in relation to the mandibular premolars and first molar in patients visiting Kathmandu Medical College, Department of Oral Surgery, Duwakot using the Orthopantomogram.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 200 digital panoramic radiographs of 92 males and 108 females in the age range of 20-50 years were collected. Consequently, 184 mental foraminain males and 216 mental foraminain females were evaluated. The outline of the mandible along with canine, first premolar, second premolar, and first molar was traced. The mental foramen opening was also traced and the position wasevaluated in relation to the first, second premolars and first molar.&#x0D; Results: Out of 400 foramina, 217 (54.2%) were located between the first and second premolar, i.e. position 3. The second most commonlocationof 152 (38%) foramina was in line with the second premolar, i.e. position 4. Position 2, i.e. in line with the first premolar was seen in 4% and position 5, i.e. between the second premolar and first molar was seen in 3.5%. The left side (29.2%) had a higher occurrence of position 3 as compared to the right side (25%).&#x0D; Conclusion: The location of mental foramen should be identified in all surgeries involving the anterior mandible as this will help us prevent injury to the mental nerve.In our population, position 3 was the most common location of the mental foramen.

Localization of Mental Foramen in Panoramic Radiographs of 18-30 Year Olds: A Hospital Based Study

Background The position of the mental foramen demonstrates anatomical variations, although typically it is reported to be either between the apices of the first and second premolars or below the apex of the second premolar. Objective To determine the radiographic position of mental foramen in relation to Premolar crown and apex, in panoramic radiographs. Method Following ethical approval a retrospective study was conducted in 510 panoramic radiographs of 18-30 year olds from archives of Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology. The position of mental foramen was scored using crown and apex scores according to scoring criteria given by Jasser and Nwoku, 1998. Descriptive statistics was calculated and Chi-square test was applied to assess variation in position of mental foramen between genders and right and left side of mandible. Kappa statistics was applied to assess intra-observer reliability. Result The most common scoring for position of mental foramen on right side crown and apex was 3 (49.4%) followed by 4 (45.9%). Similarly, on left side the most common score for crown and apex was 3 (50.8%) followed by 4 (44.3%). There was no statistically significant difference in position between the genders. Comparing the right and left sides, the position was symmetrical in 83.3% for crown and apex scores. The Kappa values indicated good agreement for intraobserver reliability. Conclusion The most common position for the mental foramen is between the first and second premolar teeth; though, anatomical variations are seen.

Anatomical importance of mental foramen for skeletal anchorage

Mental foramen is an important anatomical landmark in dentistry and its knowledge is very important because it transfers the mental nerve and vessels. Mini-implants are widely used nowadays in orthodontics for skeletal anchorage. Morphometric evaluation of mental foramen using cone beam computed tomography will help in safe placement of mini-implants and temporary anchorage devices without encroaching upon the foramen. The aim of this research was to study the morphology and morphometry of the mental foramen using CBCT in dentate adult Kashmiri population. Thirty one cone beam computed tomography were studied to analyze the shape, position and distance of mental foramen.The purpose of this study was to use existing Cone Beam Computed Tomography images to determine the vertical and horizontal location of the mental foramen in relation to the mandibular first and second premolars, and the distance in millimeters from the apex of each. The distance from the foramen to the inferior border of the mandible was also recorded.The average distance from the apices of the mandibular first and second premolars to the mental foramen was 5.61mm (SD= 2.09) and 5.97mm (SD=2.33), respectively. The foramen was located 10.11mm (SD=2.33) from the inferior border of the mandible. The most common horizontal position of the foramen was in between mandibular first and second premolar (38.7%). The mental foramen was further away from the inferior border of the mandible in males and older patients.Statistical analysis showed no significant differences regarding age group and the gender. It was found that the most common variation of mental foramen was round shape (67.7%). An accessory mental foramen was detected in 3.2% of the analyzed population.

Vestibular bone thickness of the mandible in relation to the mandibular canal\u2014a retrospective CBCT-based study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess vestibular bone thickness of the mandible in relation to the mandibular canal and position of the mental foramen in relation to the neighbouring teeth. Measurements were performed on radiographic cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.MethodsThis retrospective study analysed 314 CBCTs, having been taken at the Clinic of Cranio-Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, University of Zurich, Switzerland.ResultsCBCTs from 168 female and 146 male patients (median age 40.2 years) were analysed. Median bone thickness lateral to the nerve canal to the buccal mandibular cortical plate was ~ 4 mm immediately posterior to the mental foramen, increased to ≤ 6 mm over the next 30 mm, then decreased to ~ 3 mm at the level of the mandibular foramen. In two thirds of cases, both mental foramina were located near the second premolar (66.2% right, 67.7% left). Bone thickness and the position of the mental foramen showed marked intra- and interindividual variance.ConclusionsA preoperative CBCT is recommended for detailed planning of surgical interventions that may reach the mandibular canal (e.g. wisdom teeth removal, root resection, implant placement, bone block harvesting).

Evaluation of Size and Location of a Mental Foramen in the Polish Population Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

Introduction The mental foramen (MF) is a bilateral opening localized on an anterior surface of the mandible. A precise location as well as well-defined shape, size, and number of the MF is crucial for different clinical dental procedures. The aim of this study was to determine a size and location of the MF in relation to the lower teeth using the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) study. Material and Methods In a group of 201 patients (106 males and 95 females) the CBCT images were performed using the GX CB-500 device (Gendex, USA). Results No significant differences in values of the horizontal (H) and vertical (V) diameters as well as the H:V ratio on both sides in relation to the age of participants were found. In males both average values of a horizontal diameter (p=0.031) and vertical diameter (p=0.001) were significantly higher on the right side than in the female subgroup, whereas on the left side only an average value of a vertical diameter was significantly higher in men (p=0.006) in comparison to women. Moreover, the H:V ratio was significantly lower in males on the left side (p=0.032). There were no significant relationships between age and gender of the patients (p>0.05) and the type of mental foramen on the right and left sides. Conclusions The application of the CBCT study enabled a precise determination of the shape, size, and position of the mental foramen in relation to the neighboring anatomical structures on a representative group of the Polish patients. The results obtained may contribute to guidelines for dental procedures including anesthesia of the mental nerve and endodontic, implantology, and dental surgery with regard to the location of mental foramen depending on the sex and age of patients.

Study of Age and Gender Related Variations in Position of Mental Foramen of Some Egyptians Using Digital Panoramic Radiography

Introduction: The mandible is the strongest bone in the human body and persists in a well-preserved state longer than any other bone. One of mandibular characteristic that can prove very helpful for age and gender determination is mental foramen. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the radiographic position of mental foramen in relation to anatomical structures in different age groups in some male and female Egyptians. Subjects and Methods: The study group comprised a total of 200 patients; 100 males (aging from 8.7 to 66.0 years old) and 100 females (aging from 8.4 to 66.5 years old), attending the outpatient clinics of the Faculty of Dental Medicine for girls, Al Azhar University, in Cairo, and required panoramic radiography for various dental treatments. The study population was divided into five age groups; 8-12 years, 13-17 years, 18-30 years, 31-50 years, and 51-70 years. On panoramic radiographs, the following parameters were measured; MF-ML: distance from mental foramen to the midline, MF-ABC: distance from mental foramen to the alveolar bone crest, MF-BM: distance from mental foramen to the base of mandible. These measurements were compared between different age groups and both sexes. Results:The results indicated that the mean values of the distance between mental foramen and the midline (MF-ML), the alveolar bone crest (MF-ABC) and the base of mandible (MF-BM) increase in a significant accelerating manner in children, become stable after the age of 18 and after the age of 50 the mental foramen becomes closer to the alveolar crest. As regards sex difference, males showed higher mean values than females in all measurements in all age groups except in the age group (8-12) years. Conclusion: This study concluded that the position of mental foramen varies with age, and there is a gender related variation in its position. Using mental foramen position measurements may be helpful to predict age and sex on panoramic radiographs for Egyptians. Recommendation: Further research and studies are needed with extensive and large number of samples from different districts of Egypt, in order to accurate assessment of position of mental foramen in Egyptians that would help in establishing its role in forensic applications.

Assessment of the Mental Foramen Location in a Sample of Fully Dentate Lebanese Adults Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography Technology.

Objective:The literature reports that the location of mental foramen shows differences among races. The aim of this study was to assess the mental foramen position in a sample of Lebanese population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology.Materials and methods:In this study, we investigated CBCT images of 50 fully dentate Lebanese adults (23 males and 27 females). We assessed the horizontal position of the mental foramen in relation with the mandibular premolars in both right and left sides and the vertical position by measuring the distance from the upper border of the foramen to the inferior border of the body of the mandible. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using Chi-square test, and two-sided t-test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.Results:In our sample, the mental foramen was mostly found in line with the second mandibular premolar in both sides and the mean distance from the superior border of the foramen to the inferior border of the body of the mandible was 13.0120 ± 0.98487 mm on the right and 13.0728 ± 0.96029 mm on the left.Conclusion:Within the limits of this study, we concluded that in our sample of Lebanese population, there was substantial variability in the mental foramen location.

Position and symmetry of mental foramen: A radiographic study in bareilly population

Introduction: The mental foramen is located in the apical region of the mandibular premolars. Variations in its position can be a cause of complications during local anesthesia or surgical procedures as well as in the diagnosis of lesions periapically. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the position and symmetry of mental foramen on a digital orthopantomogram (OPG), and the objective was to determine the frequency of location of mental foramen in relation to apices of teeth and interdental spaces on the panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods: The study was done in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, and 750 participants were selected in this study whose radiographic evaluation of mental foramen was done using OPG. The position of the image of the mental foramen was recorded according to criteria given by Wei Cheong Ngeow and Yusof Yuzawati. Statistical Analysis: The collected data were subsequently processed and analyzed using SPSS statistical package version 17. Results: We found that mental foramen is located below the second premolar in 74.4% of the patients followed by between two premolars in 19.3% of the population. In both males and females, most common position was in line with the second premolar followed by between two premolars. The mental foramen was symmetrical in 613 patients (81.7%) and asymmetrical in 137 patients (18.3%). Conclusion: In the present study, it was found that the most common position of the mental foramen was below second premolar followed by between two premolars. It was symmetrical in 81.7% of the population. In males and females, the most common position was below second premolar followed by between two premolars.

The ultrasonographic determination of the position of the mental foramen and its relation to hard tissue landmarks.

The goal of this ultrasound based cross-sectional study was to make use of ultrasound to determine the position of the mental foramen in relation to hard tissue landmarks. One hundred Black and Caucasian subjects were included. An ultrasound transducer was used to locate the mental foramina. Distances to various landmarks were measured and compared. All mental foramina were visualised ultrasonographically. The mean distances to various landmarks from the mental foramen for the entire group on the right and left sides respectively were as follows: a) 22.8 mm (SD 2.04 mm) and 22.8 mm (SD 2.0 mm) to the cusp of the related tooth, b) 13.2 mm (SD 1.6 mm) and 13.2 mm (SD 1.6 mm) to the inferior border of the mandible. The mean position of the mental foramen was found to be 63.4% (SD 1.8%) of the distance from the cusp of the related tooth to the inferior border of the mandible on the right and 63.3% (SD 1.7%) on the left. There were statistically significant differences between race groups and genders, but not between age groups. These results suggest that ultrasound is a sensitive modality to locate the mental foramen. There are minor, statistically significant (but clinically insignificant) differences in the position of the mental foramen with regard to various hard tissue landmarks.

The Ultrasonographic Determination of the Position of the Mental Foramen and its Relation to the Mandibular Premolar Teeth.

The position of the mental foramen has been well researched in cadaver specimens, radiographically as well as intraoperatively. To our knowledge, this landmark study is the first to make use of ultrasonography in a study population to determine the position of the mental foramen in relation to the mandibular premolar teeth. Ultrasonography has great potential to further revolutionize the practice of medicine and dento-maxillofacial surgery. To make use of ultrasound to determine the position of the mental foramen and its relation to the mandibular premolar teeth. One hundred Black and Caucasian subjects were enrolled. A high frequency (8MHz) transducer (PLF.805ST) of a diagnostic ultrasound system (model SSA-510A) was applied above the inferior border of the mandible, just lateral to the mentum. With the marker of the transducer pointing cranially, the position of the mental foramen in relation to the closest mandibular premolar tooth was determined. The position was compared across race, sex and age groups. All mental foramina (100%) were visualised. Overall the most frequent position of the mental foramen was in line with the long axis of the second premolar on the right (44%) and between the first and second premolars on the left (44%). There were no statistical differences (p >0.05) between race groups, sex and age groups with regard to the position of the mental foramen in relation to the mandibular premolars. However, in Blacks, the most frequent position of the mental foramen was in line with the long axis of the second premolar and in Caucasians the most common position was between the first and second premolars. The most frequent position of the mental foramen in females was in line with the long axis of the second premolar on the right and between the first and second premolars on the left. In males, the most frequent position of the mental foramen was in line with the long axis of the second premolar bilaterally. The most common position of the mental foramen in the age group category 18-30 years was between the first and second premolars. In patients aged 31-60 years the most frequent position was in line with the long axis of the second premolar. Ultrasound is a sensitive modality to locate the mental foramen. There are differences in the most common position of the mental foramen with regard to the long axis of the premolar teeth. Ultrasonography has the potential to revolutionize the practice of dento-maxillofacial surgery.

Buccolingual course of the inferior alveolar canal in different mental foramen locations: A cone beam computed tomography study of an Iranian population.

Context:Better understanding of the anatomical location and course of the mandibular canal is necessary to avoid damaging inferior alveolar nerve.Aims:The aim of this study was to investigate the buccolingual course of the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) in different mental foramen locations, using cone beam computed tomography.Materials and Methods:Three hundred and twelve hemimandibular images were evaluated in this study. The location of mental foramen in relation to the apices of mandibular premolar and molar teeth were recorded. Nine measurements (in millimeters) were taken at the level of the IAC and posterior mandibular premolar and molar root apices. Relative distances of IAC to buccal and lingual mandibular cortex were calculated for different mental foramen types.Statistical Analysis Used:Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results:The distribution of subjects according to the type of mental foramen includes: Type 1 = 50.3% (at the level of second premolar apex), Type 2 = 33% (between the apices of first and second premolars), and Type 3 = 16.7% (between the apices of second premolars and first molars). The buccolingual ratio of the IAC position was statistically significant in different mental foramen types (P = 0.00).Conclusion:The position of IAC was affected by the location of the mental foramen. The direction of IAC gradually changed from lingual to buccal and from posterior to anterior.

MORPHOMETRIC MEASUREMENT OF MENTAL FORAMEN IN DRY HUMAN MANDIBLE IN NORTH INDIAN POPULATION

Background: The mental foramen is one of the two holes (“foramina”) located on the anterior surface of the mandible. It permits passage of the mental nerve and vessels. The mental foramen descends slightly in edentulous individuals. Methods: The present study was carried out in the department of anatomy on 70 Adult North Indian dry Mandibles of unknown age and sex which were obtained from the osteology section of Integral Institute of Medical Sciences and Research & King George medical university. The Mandibles were observed macroscopically for the presence of mental foramen. Results: In our study we observed that the oval shape of mental foramen was 87.1% on right side and 88.6% on left side. Round mental foramen was observed to be 12.9% on the right side and 11.4% on left side. The Position of Mental foramen in relation to borders left side were found Central (87.1%), upper border (7.1%), lower side (5.7%) and right side Central (85.7%) , upper border (10%) and lower side (4.3%). Conclusions: Knowledge of the mental foramen and it’s variation in different population is essential for dentists, orthopedicians and anatomists. A future prospect of interest lies in their possible contribution to the maxillofacial anthropologic characteristic identification for different population and races.