Mental Foramen Research Articles

Mental foramen and apical foramen: A dangerous anatomical proximity.

The study evaluated the spatial position of the mental foramen (MF) using 300 cone-beam computed tomography. The spatial position was analyzed with the horizontal location and relative location (distance between apical foramen and MF). The horizontal location was assessed through three positions (positions 1, 2, and 3). The relative location was determined with the x, y, and x coordinates of the root apex of mandibular premolars and the MF. Student's t-test and chi-square were performed. The most common horizontal location (52%) was position 2, which means between the premolars (p < 0.05). The relative location of the MF to the root apex of the second premolar was closer than the first premolar (p < 0.05). The distance between the root tip of the second premolar and the MF was 5.27 mm, with a minimum value of 1.87 mm. Clinicians should be aware of the possible neural results to the mental nerve of an endodontic infection and the extrusion of irrigation solutions.

Radiographic Recognition of Mental Nerve for Secured Dental Implant Placement by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Mosul City Population.

The study aims to estimate precisely the different levels of mental loop and foramina in the Mosul population of Nineveh governorate in Iraq. It is a cross-sectional study of a previously saved database in the cone-beam computed tomography device. The study sample was 357 patients selected randomly from the database of patients at the Oral Radiology Unit at the Maxillofacial Department in Al-Salam Teaching Hospital. The study variables are mental foramen (MF) position, shape, radiograph appearance, and mental loop presence and direction. The results show that the age group from 19 to 30 years shows the highest percentage (40.1%). Females show more than half of the cases (59.7%). The MF position's highest percentage is shown in 2 areas with the slight differences. These are the long axis of first premolar and the area between first premolar and second premolar (42.6%, 40.9). According to shape variation round shapes are the uppermost percent (53.8%). More than 60% of cases (66.1%) show continuity with the inferior alveolar canal and 50% show no loop presence, and the mental nerve leaves the foramen in a perpendicular direction. In conclusion localization of the MF, nerve, and its loop precisely in both horizontal and vertical directions, both hard and soft tissues in a continuous view. Before arranging any surgical procedure, anatomic markers are crucial. To reduce the danger of harm to the foramen region, the authors thus advised cone-beam computed tomography before scheduling implant surgery, particularly in the mental region of the jaw.

Tomographic Planning of Dental Implants Using a Smartphone: Linear Measurements and Implant Selection-A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study assessed the accuracy of linear measurements and dental implant selection performed in a smartphone application compared to a computer software. Forty-four DICOM files from partially edentulous patients in the posterior region of the mandible were evaluated by three trained and calibrated examiners. Images were analyzed using three visualization methods: cross-sectional view (CScr) and coronal (CSco) plane using the CS 3D Imaging software, and coronal (DRco) plane using the DroidRender smartphone application. For the purpose of standardization, measurements of bone width and height were taken in the edentulous posterior region of the mandible, 10 mm posterior to the mental foramen. Dental implant selection was made according to Straumann® Standard implant catalog 2022/2023. Linear measurements were compared using the ANOVA test for repeated measurements and implant selection was compared using the Friedman test. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software, considering a significance level of 5%. Linear measurements showed a statistically significant difference for bone width (p = 0.030), but not for height (p = 0.685). The choice of implant was not influenced by the visualization method (p = 0.614). It is possible to suggest the use of smartphone applications as an additional diagnostic tool for DICOM evaluation and dental implant planning in the posterior region of the mandible. Smartphone applications allow an assessment not limited to 2D images or to static environments. Therefore, information exchange and diagnostic opinion in emergency situations may be facilitated.

Clinical Advantages of Implant Osteotomy through the Remaining Root in Mandibular Premolar Region.

The placement of a dental implant by creating the osteotomy through the remaining root can serve as a placement option that offers various advantages. These benefits include more precise drilling with reduced vibration in cases with limited available bone or with anatomical structures such as the mental foramen and inferior alveolar nerve in close proximity to the planned osteotomy, and facilitating the extraction of an ankylosed tooth following root canal treatment. This case report presents a detailed description of the surgical and restorative procedures involved in placing an implant in a mandibular premolar area.

A comparative investigation of three-dimensional printing models (rapid prototyping) made by imaging systems including multidetector computed tomography and cone-beam computed tomography systems

Abstract Introduction: Biomedical models (rapid prototyping) had a vast use in maxillofacial diagnosis and surgeries. Using this technology can lead to improvement in preoperative treatment planning and an increase in surgery quality. In this study, we investigated and compared the models derived from multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) radiography systems. Aim: In this study, we investigated and compared the models derived from MDCT and CBCT radiography systems to see which is the most accurate. Materials and Methods: Five dried human mandibles were chosen in this study. These landmarks were chosen to investigate the reproduction ability: mental foramen, genial tubercle, central incisor, alveolar crest edge to the inferior mandibular border in midline, two bone defects in approximate dimensions of 3 × 3 mm2, first molar socket depth in the mesiobuccal line angle, mesiodistal length of tooth socket bone at the buccal and buccolingual width of tooth socket bone at mesial. Radiographs were taken using one MDCT and two CBCT systems. Then, models were built through a three-dimensional (3D) printer, and the mentioned landmarks were measured using a digital caliper. Data were entered in SPSS version 23 software and were analyzed with the ANOVA and Tukey tests. Results: In the reproduction of superior-inferior dimension and mesiodistal width of all mentioned landmarks, there were no significant differences between models made by data derived from Cranex 3D and NewTom 3G with a small field of view, in comparison with the gold standard (P &gt; 0.05). However, there is a significant difference in the reproduction of landmarks between models made from MDCT and NewTom 3G with a large field of view, in comparison with the gold standard (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Models made from CBCT Devices with a small field of view have an acceptable and reliable accuracy for assessing bone structures. However, for CBCT devices with a large field of view and computed tomography-scan devices, models have less accuracy.

A Retrospective CBCT Evaluation of the Inferior Alveolar Nerve's Anterior Loop in Odisha People.

The anterior loop of the inferior alveolar nerve is the portion of the nerve that is located anterior to the mental foramen before it exits the canal. The objective of the research was to assess anterior loop in the Odisha population. For this study, a random selection of 100 CBCT scans representing 200 hemi-mandibles was made. Descriptive statistics were used to compute the distribution of the mental nerve pattern according to gender, age, and the presence or absence of dysplastic features. Frequency and percentages were then used to show the results. There was significant difference among male and female on left and right side for anterior loop. 28% of studied population had loop and 72% without loop out of 100 participants. Pattern III was common type followed by patter I. Right side had slightly more loop than left side. Loop length distribution was significant. It was concluded that loop is a common finding; hence it must be evaluated before doing any surgical procedure in that anatomical location.

Cone Beam CT Assessment of Mandibular Foramen and Mental Foramen Positions as Essential Anatomical Landmarks: A Retrospective Study in Vietnam.

The mandibular foramen (MnF) and the mental foramen (MF) are essential anatomical landmarks that should be considered before any surgical procedures in the mandible. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of the MnF and MF in relation to adjacent anatomical structures, as well as age and gender differences, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) projections. The study was conducted from August 2023 to January 2024 at the Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Vietnam. In this retrospective study, 50 CBCT images of Vietnamese patients were randomly taken for various clinical purposes. Furthermore, relevant data, such as gender and age groups, were selected to evaluate the correlations, along with specific inclusion criteria. Patients within the age range of 18-69 with a symmetrical mandible were included. The distance of the MnF-MN was 29.6±5.0 mm (right) and 30.1±4.6 mm (left) in males and 25.0±4.2 mm (right) and 26.3±5.0 mm (left) in females. The distance of the MnF-posterior border of the ramus (P) was 16.2±3.6 mm (right) and 15.0±2.3 mm (left) in males. For females, it was 17.1±2.9 mm (right) and 13.8±1.7 mm (left). The distance of the MF-body mandible (MB) was 15.4±2.4 mm (right) and 15.6±2.0 mm (left) in males and 14.0±2.1 mm (right) and 14.3±1.6 mm (left) in females. The distance of the MF-mandibular midline (MM) was 27.0±2.6 mm (right) and 27.0±2.9 mm (left) in males and 25.3±2.0 mm (right) and 25.1±2.2 mm (left) in females. These distances showed statistically significant differences depending on gender (P<0.05). It can be said that CBCT provides comprehensive information about the MnF and the MF for dentists in research and clinical practice.

Mentalis nerve branches supplying the lower lip revisited: a study of human fetuses and donated elderly cadavers.

Little information is known about the mentalis nerve course from the lower lip approximation margin (free margin) to the upper lip. Likewise, no difference in nerve distribution has been observed between the cutaneous and mucosal parts of the lip. Therefore, this study reexamined mentalis nerve morphology. For macroscopic observations, three fresh cadavers were dissected (one male and two females; aged 78-93). We also evaluated histological sections obtained from five donated elderly cadavers (two males and three females, aged 82-96 years) and 15 human fetuses (11-40 weeks or crown-rump length 80-372mm). Immunohistochemical analysis for S100 protein and tyrosine hydroxylase was performed. In both fetuses and adult cadavers, one to three nerve branches ran upward in the submucosal tissue from the mental foramen. Near the free margin of the lip, some branches passed through the orbicularis oris muscle layer toward the lip skin, whereas others followed a reversed J-shaped course along the free margin. Nerve twigs ran in parallel beneath the mucosa, whereas wavy nerve twigs attached to the basal lamina of the lip epidermis. The difference in nerve endings abruptly occurred at the skin-mucosal junction. Tyrosine hydroxylase-positive sympathetic nerve twigs surrounded arteries and formed a branch composed of S100-negative unmyelinated fibers. The lower lip skin was innervated by a perforating branch passing through the orbicularis oris muscle, that was different from the lip mucosa. A sudden change in the nerve ending configuration at the mucocutaneous junction seemed to develop postnatally.

Evaluation of Knowledge Levels of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dentists Concerning Anatomical Landmarks on Panoramic Radiography

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge level of dental students and newly graduated dentists concerning anatomical landmarks identified on panoramic radiographs. Methods: This study was conducted as a web-based survey. Students continuing their education in the 4th and 5th grades of dentistry faculties and dentists who graduated within the last one year were included in our study. The answers given to the anatomical points on the panoramic radiograph were recorded as "true" and "false". SPSS was used to analyse the data. The data obtained were analysed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Mann-Whitney U Test. p&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 300 people participated of which 59.6% of the participants were female and 40.4% were male. The answers given to a total of 18 anatomical point questions did not show a significant difference according to gender (p=0.469). There was no question that all participants answered correctly. The highest correct answer rate was found for the anatomical point 'Mental foramen' with 289 (96.3%) participants. The lowest correct answer rate was found for the anatomical point 'Soft palate' with 48 (16%) participants. According to educational status, 5th grade students were the group with statistically significantly lower correct answers (p=0.017) Conclusions: These results indicate that training approaches should be developed for anatomical landmarks with lower correct response rates. Dentists working on a complicated structure should have a good command of this anatomy, and for this purpose, efforts should be made during the teaching program on anatomical structures that are difficult to identify and keep their knowledge up to date.

Study of the mandibular canal and its surrounding canals by multi-view cone-beam computed tomography

ObjectivesTo determine the mandibular anatomical structures by observing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) from multiple angles.Materials and methodsThis retrospective study analyzed 1593 consecutive CBCT images. Ultimately, 95 CBCTs met the inclusion criteria. The mandibular, inferior lingual, and bony canals at the tooth apex were studied by multi-angle observation CBCT. Descriptive statistics were used for statistical analysis.ResultsIt is beneficial to further observe the anastomosis of the mandibular, lingual, and mandibular canals when the course of the mandibular lingual canal is observed on CBCT cross-section. The frequency of the inferior lingual canal anastomosis with the mandibular canal was 43.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 33, 53.3) in the sample. The mental foramen was located below the long axis of the tooth in a few samples, with an occurrence rate of 29.5% (95% CI 20.1, 38.8). The occurrence rate of various types of the bony canal at the apex of the tooth in canines, first premolars, second premolars, first molars, and second molars under the root apex was recorded through the multi-angle observation of the dental volume reformat (DVR) and three-dimensional (3D) levels in CBCT.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the utility of CBCT imaging in examining mandibular anatomy from multiple angles, providing valuable insights into anatomical variations, and enhancing our understanding of mandibular structures. This research emphasizes the crucial role of meticulous CBCT examination in precisely identifying and understanding key anatomical structures, ultimately reducing the risk of surgical complications.Critical relevance statementBy examining cone-beam computed tomography scans from various perspectives, it is possible to determine the precise position of anatomical structures within the jaw. This allows for a more accurate assessment, reducing the risk of harm to these structures during treatment.Key points• It is crucial to utilize image data effectively to enhance the comprehension of human anatomy.• We captured detailed images of the mandible from different angles and orientations utilizing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).• This study provides essential anatomical information for procedural planning to ensure optimal outcomes and patient safety.Graphical

Skeletotopic features of the chin opening in animals

The article presents the features in the skeletotopia of the mental foramen in different animal species (sheep, horse, dog). The research was conducted at the Department of Anatomy and Histology of Animals named after Prof. A.F. Klimov of the K.I. Skryabin Moscow State Automobile Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biology. The object of the study was: sexually mature sheep (Ovis aries) (n=10), domestic horse (Equus caballus) (n=10) and dog (Canis lupus familiaris) (n=10). The material for the research was mandibles (n=30). A comprehensive methodological approach was used, including anatomical preparation and measurement of linear parameters (height of the mandibular body and distance from the chin aperture to the upper edge of the diastema) with subsequent digital processing of the results. Based on these studies, species regularities and peculiarities of anatomical organization of the mental foramen in different taxonomic groups were revealed. At the analysis of the received linear parameters the index of relative height of a chin aperture was calculated, which is a percentage relation of distance from a chin aperture to the top edge of diastema to height of a body of a mandible on which it is established, that on the digital expressions the dog (69) was in the lead, while the sheep (36) had the minimum digital values. Horse (51) occupied an intermediate position according to the studied index. The results obtained can be used in the development of new methods of tooth extirpation, in the performance of local anesthesia of the trigeminal nerve in veterinary dentistry, as well as in the identification of the animal species by the head skeleton.

Assessment of Mental Foramen Characteristics in Syrian Population Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography: A Pilot Study.

Background Knowledge of the mental foramen (MF) characteristics is crucial for avoiding iatrogenic injuries during dental implant placement, root canal treatment, orthognathic surgery, and other dental and surgical interventions. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers a valuable tool for evaluating the MF characteristics with its precise anatomical details. The current study investigates the horizontal and vertical position variations in addition to the exit angle of MF within the Syrian adult population. Materials and methods The sample included CBCT scans of 42 subjects with an equal number of males and females (21 males, 21 females), with no underlying pathology in the investigated region, mean age was 24.7 years (SD: 7.2 years). CBCT scans were retrospectively analyzed in terms of the vertical, horizontal, and exit angle direction of MF. The chi-square test was conducted to investigate statistical differences in terms of MF horizontal and vertical positions. A T-test was conducted to investigate statistical differences in terms of exit angle direction. Comparisons were conducted between males and females groups, and between the left and right sides in the total sample group. Results The most frequent horizontal position was position 3 (MF between the first and second premolars) on the right side (n=20, 47.61%), and on the left side (n=21, 50%). The most frequent vertical position was position 3 (MF below the apices of the premolars) on the right side (n=29, 69.04%), and on the left side (n=27, 64.28%).The exit angle of the MF was in a backward direction, with a mean value of 118.42° (SD: 6.45 degrees), and 115.97° (SD: 7.29 degrees) on the right and left side, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found in terms of the right vertical position between males and females (P value < 0.05). Conclusion Variations in MF characteristics exist in the Syrian population. Statistically significant differences were found in the right vertical position of MF. The current study findings necessitate precise preoperative three-dimensional imaging for dental interventions among this population. By establishing normative values for the Syrian population, the results can contribute to improved surgical planning and patient care, and can be used for comparative studies for more understanding of the human anatomical variations.

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

Clinical Peri-Implant Parameters and Marginal Bone Loss for Early Mandibular Implant Overdentures: A Follow-Up of 60 Months.

Background and Objectives: Despite the identified benefits of early implant loading, studies have questioned its advantages compared to delayed loading in edentulous patients. This study aimed to evaluate clinical peri-implant parameters and marginal bone loss around early placed and loaded mandibular implant overdentures with a 60-month follow-up. Materials and Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 43 patients were enrolled to receive 86 early loading sub-crestal dental implants through prosthetic guides. Implant overdentures were supported by two isolated implant locator attachments between two mental foramens. Clinical peri-implant parameters, including plaque index (PI), bleeding index (BI), peri-implant pocket depth (PIPD), and marginal bone loss (MBL) were evaluated using standardized techniques at 1, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months follow-up. At 60 months, complications associated with implant overdentures (IOD's) were noted. The mean comparison of peri-implant clinical parameters was performed through ANOVA test. A p-value of ≤0.05 was taken as significant. Results: Out of the total 43 enrolled patients, 8 patients were lost during follow-up; as a result, 35 patients completed the 5 years follow-up. The mean values of PI, BI, and PIPD increased with no statistical difference (p > 0.05). For marginal bone loss, an increase in the mean values was noted at different time intervals with statistical differences (p < 0.001). The most common complications noted were loosening of the abutment, occlusal adjustment, retentive locator loosening and replacement, and relining of the denture. Conclusions: Early placement of IODs failed to prevent bone loss over time and was associated with complications, predominantly consisting of abutment loosening, occlusal adjustments, broken retentive locator components, relining, and rebasing.

Peripheral mental neurectomy followed by obliteration of mental foramen with autogenous bone graft under local Anastasia: An effective and simple technique for trigeminal neuralgia to prolong the remission.

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is characterized by recurrent brief shock, stabbing pain of the oro-facial structures unilaterally. The treatment mainly depends upon patient’s condition and severity of the disease. Medical management comes usually first to start. Patient becomes refractive to the medical management with time. Peripheral neurectomy is an alternative, effective and simple method of procedure, in which the avulsion of a peripheral branch of the nerve. It is the simple method that can be performed under local anesthesia, gives excellent pain relief to the patient with minimal risk. But, one problem associated with this is the nerve regeneration, causing the recurrence of neuralgia. To avoid this, here we present a treated case of trigeminal neuralgia by peripheral neurectomy of mental nerve followed by plugging the mental foramen with the autogenous bone graft. It successfully prolonged the pain remission without any complications.

Surgical Management of an Elderly Patient with Mental Nerve Hyperesthesia: A Case Report

Prolonged use of removable dentures and age-related bone remodeling can result in atrophy of the alveolar crest and lead to functional impairments and complications such as inflammation and hypersensitivity. The effectiveness of nerve transposition surgery and implant rehabilitation in reducing these complaints in atrophic mandibles is remarkable. This case study involves a 63-year old female patient who developed trigeminal nerve neuropathy, starting after use of removable dentures, with the complaint of pain around the right foramen mentale. Advanced resorption in the posterior alveolar crests of the mandible was identified through radiological examinations. After two months, there was a significant improvement in symptoms and post-operative hypoesthesia was achieved by the agency of implant rehabilitation and the inferior transposition of the right mental nerve. This case emphasizes the importance of nerve transposition surgery in severe atrophic crests, superiorly located mental foramina or hyperesthesia induced by removable prostheses.

Localization of Mandibular Canal in Dentulous and Edentulous Regions

Objectives: Retrospective determination of the changes in the mandibular canal (MC) course in men and women in the second premolar, first molar and second molar regions of the dentulous and edentulous mandible.&#x0D; Methods: In CBCT images of 274 patients aged 18-88 years who were systemically healthy, the distances of the outer cortex of the MC to the mandible superior, lingual, inferior and buccal cortical bone border were measured in the right and left mandible 2nd premolar, 1st molar and 2nd molar regions. In these regions, the differences in MC course between left and right hemimandible, dentulous and edentulous, and males and females were examined by independent t-test and paired t-test (p&lt; .05).&#x0D; Results: As a result of the statistical analysis, statistical significance was observed in the linear measurements of the MC to the superior cortical bone border in dentulous and edentulous patients in the relevant regions. In female and male patients, the distance of the MC to the inferior cortical edge of the mandible in the dentulous and edentulous dentition was statistically less in females. The superior distance of the mandible was found to be less in the edentulous regions than in the dentulous regions.&#x0D; Conclusions: The course of the MC in the posterior mandible is generally close to the inferior and lingual wall, but it changes direction towards the superior and buccal regions as it approaches the mental foramen. Furthermore, in women, the MC is located closer to the inferior border of the mandible compared to men.

ANATOMICAL VARIABILITY OF THE SEGMENTS OF THE INFERIOR ALVEOLAR NERVE IN THE PEOPLE OF SECOND PERIOD OF MATURE AND OLDER AGE

To avoid complications of bicortical implantation, great importance is attached to the study of individual morphological features of the mandible and its structures, in particular, the anatomical variability of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and mandibular canal. The purpose of the study was to fi nd out the peculiarities of the structure, topography and individual anatomical variability of the IAN in persons of the second period of maturity and older age. Cone-beam computer tomography of 54 people of both sexes aged 45-65 years with three- dimensional reconstruction, morphometry and statistical analysis was studied. On the basis of our own research on the topographical and anatomical features of the IAN and its syntopy with the mandible, in particular, with the mandibular canal, we propose to distinguish 4 of its divisions: extra- canal – from the place of formation to the entrance to the mandibular canal; intracanal – from the mandibular foramen to the mental foramen; mental – after exiting the mandibular canal; incisive – after the departure of the mental branch. The topographical and anatomical features and anatomical variability of the IAN were studied. In people of the second period of mature and elderly age, anatomical variability of the macroscopic structure and topography of the IAN was established, which manifested itself in high (4.0-11.0 mm) and low (22.0-33.0 mm) levels, relative to the foramen ovale its beginning and form (one or two trunks) of departure from the mandibular nerve. The largest number of nerve connections with other branches of the mandibular nerve is formed by the extracanal section of the IAN: with the auriculo-t emporal nerve (29 cases – 53.7 %), with the lingual nerve (5 cases – 9.26 %), with the nerve of the medial pterygoid muscle (3 observations – 5.56 %) and with the nerve of the lateral pterygoid muscle (2 specimens – 3.7 %). A diff erent level of departure of the nerve to mylohyoid from the extracanal section of the IAN was established: high (5.0-7.0 mm) and low (27.0-31.0 mm). Anatomical variability of the intracanal part of the IAN was manifested by structural variants: a single trunk (43 cases, 79.6 %), rarely – two trunks (11 observations, 20.4 %) and very rarely – the lower dental plexus (6 specimens, 11,11 %). The proximity of the roots of the 7th and 8th teeth to the IAN can be the cause of severe pain in the pathology of these teeth and cause nerve damage during their removal. Nerve connections occur between the right and left incisive nerves, the knowledge of which is an important practical value for performing anesthesia of the front row of teeth. The number of branches to the teeth, interalveolar septa and gingiva from the IAN signifi cantly decreases with age and with a violation of the integrity of the dentition.

Accessory lingual mental foramen: A case report of a rare anatomic variation.

The mandibular nerve and the mental foramen have occasionally shown variations in its anatomy. This report aims to present a case of lingual mental foramen recognised on three-dimensional cone beam computed tomographic imaging (CBCT). Routine Orthopantomogram (OPG) and CBCT images were evaluated to assess the status of impact third molars in a 31-year-old female who had visited the dental clinics in our institution. The OPG image failed to reveal any anatomic variation in the position of the mental foramen. On tracing the course of the mandibular canal in CBCT images, two foramina were traced at the region of premolar. One opened towards the buccal cortical plate at the normal position of the mental foramen and an accessory lingual mental foramen had an opening on the lingual cortical bone at the same level as the mental foramen. Understanding variations of the mental foramen is extremely essential in dentistry to carry out successful anaesthetic or surgical interventions and to avoid complications such as nerve damage or excessive bleeding.

Strut and radio-morphometric analysis of mandibular trabecular structure in pre-and post-menopausal women to aid in the diagnosis of osteoporosis

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to evaluate the mandibular trabecular pattern in pre- and postmenopausal age women. By analysing the strut, fractal, grey level co-occurrence matrix, and radio-morphometric indices in the panoramic radiograph. MethodPanoramic radiographs from 2019 to 2022 were used to assess pre- and postmenopausal women's bone mineral density. A total of 272 panoramic radiographs, which exhibited clear visibility of the mental foramen on both sides without any blurring, motion artefacts, surgical errors, overlapping hyoid bone, or inferior mandibular cortex, were divided into two groups. Group A (136 premenopausal women) and Group B (136 postmenopausal women). It is a retrospective study that is non-interventional/observational in design. Strut features, fractal dimensions, a grey-level co-occurrence matrix, and radio morphometric indices were used to investigate bone texture in an image processing program. The mean difference between group variables was calculated using an independent sample t-test/unpaired t-test. ResultsPre-menopausal women had a mean age of 38.83 ± 6.01 years, while postmenopausal women had a mean age of 68.26 ± 8.31 In the postmenopausal group Four regions of interest exhibited fractal dimensions with a P value of less than 0.01 and GLCM features including contrast (0.812), correlation (0.230), energy (0.215), and homogeneity (0.322). Strut features of the four regions showed that 15 of 19 characteristics were significantly different. ConclusionOrthopantomogram is useful in screening for osteoporosis. Strut, radio-morphometric indices, and fractal analysis can assess bone texture and quality. Future research incorporating artificial intelligence can revolutionize image analysis and support clinical decision-making.