Size Of Mental Foramen Research Articles

Analysis of the Mental Foramen and Inferior Alveolar Canal pattern based on CBCT data

The mental foramen is located in a position where certain dental procedures may cause inadvertent damage to the mental nerve and lead to disorders of sensory functions such as altered sensa¬tion, complete numbness, and neuropathic pain, which are uncommon but severe treatment complications with significant medico-legal implications. Hence thorough knowledge of its anatomical relation to its surrounding structures is critical while undertaking dental procedures. To investigate the size, shape, and position of the mental foramen (MF), its distance from adjacent teeth and mandibular borders, and the pattern of the inferior alveolar canal using CBCT in the Indian subpopulation. This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study The study evaluated 310 CBCT scans (179 males, 131 females) in axial, sagittal, and coronal planes. CBCT scans were evaluated, mapped and measured for all the parameters listed above based on age and sex. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, independent‘t-test, and chi-square test. The size of MF is independent of age and sex; the most frequent shape of MF was Type III (round); location was below the apex of the second premolar (p>0.05). The distance of MF from the nearest root apex decreased with an increase in age and more in females than males (p>0.05). Inferior Alveolar Nerve Canal (IAC) pattern was perpendicular, and linear patterns of exit at MF were more common than anterior loops in all age groups.

Radiographic study of the appearance, location and size of mental foramen on digital panoramic radiographs

Aim of the present study is see the position of mental foramen on OPG in the local Punjabi population. This study was carried out on 305 digital panoramic radiographs of North Indian (Punjabi) population. Patients aged from 18 to 64 years were divided into 2 groups. Group A consisted of those patients between 18 and 40 years and Group B were between 41 and 64 years of age. On the right side, the most common shape of the metal foramina in Males and Females are (51.4%) and (39.2%) respectively. The most common horizontal location of MF on the right side was found to be accounting to be 54.3% and 45.5% in males and females respectively. The vertical location is variable on the right and left side and the location is In males, size was bit larger on left than right side and in females; it was almost same on both the sides.

Morphological evaluation of mental foramen using cone-beam computed tomography: A retrospective observational study

ABSTRACT Aim: This study aimed to assess the shape, size, symmetry, and location of mental foramen (MF) in relation to mandibular dental and skeletal landmarks using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: This retrospective observational study was performed on 135 CBCT images of 74 males (mean age 36.16 ± 13.49 years) and 61 females (mean age 37.13 ± 13.53 years). Two independent observers performed the morphometric measurements of MF using CBCT images using Invivo software. Independent t-test and Mann–Whitney test were employed to evaluate the gender differences. A comparison of categorical data was performed using Chi-square test. Intraclass correlation coefficient and Kappa statistics were used to assess interobserver reliability. Results: The most common horizontal and vertical location of MF was the long axis of the second premolars (52.2%) and below the bicuspid root apices (70%), respectively. The most common shape was round (56.6%). Significant gender differences were observed for the MF size (mean width 0.35 mm larger in males), the distance of MF to lower border of mandible (16.10 ± 1.77 mm in males and 14.81 ± 1.48 mm in females), and MF to pogonion (28 ± 2.13 mm in males and 26.62 ± 1.98 mm in females). The horizontal and vertical locations were bilaterally symmetrical in 67.4% and 79.26% of subjects, respectively. Conclusion: Right and left sides of the mandible require separate evaluations since there are differences in the location of the MF on each side. Gender differences were observed in location of MF in the relation to skeletal landmarks. Nevertheless, skeletal landmarks are reliable for locating the MF.

Quantitative and Mathematical Analysis of Mental Foramen along with Its Correlation with Sex and Age Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography

The aim of the present study was to perform quantitative and mathematical analysis of mental foramen (MF) along with its correlation with study subject's sex and age using three-dimensional imaging like cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The CBCT scan images stored in the database were used in this study. Two-hundred sixty-seven scans were selected. They were divided into four different age-groups. These age-groups were 16-23 years, 24-38 years, 39-55 years, and more than 56 years. Each age-group was further divided into two subgroups. One subgroup was of males, while the other subgroup was of females. Following this, there was evaluation of all CBCT-scanned images considering certain parameters like position of MF, size of MF, distance X, distance Y, and distance Z. The MF was located generally apically to the premolar and molar. It was more commonly located between the first premolar and second premolar among females, while in males, it was mostly located along the long axis of the second premolar. In most of the age-groups, the MF was located between the long axis of the first premolar and second premolar. The average distance of MF from the apex of first premolar was 5.01 mm. Further, the average size of MF and its distance from the base of the mandible were greater in males as compared with females. When all these measurements were compared in different age-groups, the difference was not statistically significant. The average distance of MF from the apex of the first premolar was 5.01 mm. The average size of MF and its distance from the base of the mandible were greater in males as compared with females. When the measurements were compared in different age-groups, then the difference was not statistically significant. MF is an important structure in the mandible because it acts as an important landmark in the anesthetic procedure; therefore, there was a need to carry out detailed quantitative and mathematical analysis for MF.

Position and dimensions of the mental foramen and presence of the anterior loop in the Egyptian population: a retrospective CBCT study

AimUnderstanding the mental foramen (MF) position and prevalence and location of the anterior loop (AL) is important during clinical and surgical procedures close to the mental foramen to avoid damage to the neurovascular bundle. The current study was done to determine the location of the MF, its distance from the inferior border of the mandible, and prevalence of AL in Egyptian population using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).MethodsA retrospective analysis of CBCT images was done in this study. Images of Egyptian patients who have already been subjected to CBCT examination as part of their dental diagnosis and/or treatment planning were included according to the proposed eligibility criteria.ResultsThis study showed that the most common location of the MF (43.8% on the left side and 67.9% on the right side) is located below the apex of the second premolar. The mean size of mental foramen showed a height of 3.32 mm in females, 3.60 mm in males, and a width of 3.41 mm in females and 3.59 mm in males. The mean value of distance from inferior border was 10.08 mm in females and 10.55 mm in males. Fifty-five percent of the cases showed presence of anterior loop.ConclusionThese results are consistent with similar radiographic studies regarding size and location of MF and distances between MF and adjacent anatomic structures. The most common position of the MF is below the 2nd premolar. AL was found in more than half of the cases examined.

Comparison between conventional radiograph and 3D volumetric radiograph for determining the morphology and morphometry of mental foramen

Objective: Mental foramen is a vital anatomical structure in human mandible as they are important for dental surgeons for extraction, implant placement, osteotomy procedures, anesthetists in nerve block, and surgical procedures to avoid injury to neurovascular bundle in mental foramen area. The aim of this study was to compare the position, shape, size, and distinctness of mental foramen using orthopantomogram (OPG) and digitalized volumetric tomography (DVT). Materials and Method: This study was conducted on 25 individuals for both the genders. Position, shape, size, and distinctness of mental foramen were compared using OPG and DVT and were evaluated by Expert three-dimensional (3D) software in DVT and Annotation software in OPG. Results: Mental foramen was found to be on the vicinity of the second premolar region with respect to apices of premolars and molars and was more common in the middle third region of the jaw bone with respect to superoinferior cortex of the mandible in vertical plane. There was no significant difference in the position of the mental foramen using OPG and DVT. The commonest shape of mental foramen was found to be oval and was better defined in DVT. The size of the mental foramen was observed to be 0.49 ± 0.05 and 0.51 ± 0.06 cm in OPG and DVT, respectively, and more distinctly visible in DVT. There was no significant difference in the position, shape, size, and distinctness of the mental foramen among genders. Conclusion: Conventional radiography can be initially done for the position of the mental foramen but the details must be confirmed using 3D volumetric radiography to avoid any kind of procedural complications.

Evaluation of morphometric variations in mental foramen and prevalence of anterior loop in South Indian population – A CBCT study

Introduction: The mental foramen (MF) opens on the lateral aspect of the mandible near premolar region on both sides of the mandible. The portion of inferior alveolar nerve present anterior to the MF, prior to exiting the canal, is referred to as the anterior loop (AL) of the inferior alveolar nerve. These anatomical variations cannot be evaluated by conventional imaging techniques. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides three-dimensional reliable images of maxilla–mandibular region. Hence, it plays an important role to detect and evaluate these anatomical variations and to prevent intra- and postoperative complications. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study includes 500 CBCT images of the mandible. The average size, location, shape of MF, and presence of AL were assessed in sagittal, tangential, and axial sections. Results: Out of 250 CBCT scans analyzed, 132 scans (52.8%) were of males and 118 scans (47.2%) belonged to females. The mean size of MF as measured in the sagittal sections was found to be 3.36 mm in height and 2.54 mm in length. The most common position for the MF related to the mandibular teeth in this study was between first and second premolars in 310 CBCT images (62%). A majority of the MF were oval in shape (n = 346, 69.2%) followed by round shape (n = 154, 30.8%). The presence of AL of inferior alveolar nerve was found in only 20% (n = 100) of cases in this study. Conclusion: Considering these variations in MF and AL, the use of CBCT seems necessary for better evaluation and treatment planning.

Mental Foramen Size, Position and Symmetry in a Multi-Ethnic, Urban Black Population: Radiographic Evidence.

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo determine the approximate location, shape and dimensions of the mental foramen in African subjects using panoramic radiographs.Material and MethodsThis study analysed 320 orthopantomograms of subjects from two centres. The analysis was done using the radiographic software tools (SIDEXIS, Bensheim, Germany) which allowed for determination of the position, shape and dimensions of the foramen. Furthermore, the right and left mental foramina were compared to ascertain both shape and positional symmetry.ResultsMost of the foramina analysed were horizontally positioned between the mandibular first and second premolars (65.9%) and vertically positioned greater than 2 mm below the apex of the second mandibular premolars. The average vertical dimension and horizontal dimension of the foramen is 2.87 (SD 1) mm and 3.56 (SD 1.23) mm respectively with 55.2% of the foramen analysed being ovoid in shape. Asymmetrical mental foramina were seen in 164 subjects (51.3%) while 156 subjects had symmetrical mental foramina (48.7%). ConclusionsThe mental foramen is most commonly located between the mandibular premolars, greater than 2 mm below the apex of the second mandibular premolars. They are usually ovoid in shape with an almost equal distribution of asymmetry and symmetry.

The mental foramen: A cone beam CT study of the horizontal location, size and sexual dimorphism amongst living Jordanians

Accurate information regarding the horizontal location and size of mental foramen (MF) has a well-known clinical importance. In addition, these variables have been reported to exhibit inter-population variation. The aims of the present study were to study the horizontal position and size of MF, as seen on cone beam CT (CBCT) images, and to assess sexual dimorphism in these variables. Total of 139 CBCT images of a random Jordanian sample (50 males, 89 females, average age = 43.5, SD = 13.0, range = 23–69 years) were included. The most frequent horizontal locations of MF were found to be: between the two lower premolars (50%), and in line with lower second premolar (40%). The average long diameter of MF was 3.08 mm, SD = 0.65 mm in males (n = 50, range = 1.5–4.8 mm) and 2.46 mm, SD = 0.58 mm in females (n = 89, range = 1.2–4.0 mm), and the difference was statistically significant. Very weak positive correlation was found between age and MF diameter in females (r = 0.161) and the correlation was approaching statistical significance (p-value = 0.066), while a weak negative correlation was found between these two variables in males (r = −0.276) and the correlation was statistically significant (p-value = 0.038). It could be inferred from the results of the present study that about 95% success rate for mental nerve block anesthesia is expected when the anesthetic solution is administered between the two premolars; however this needs to be tested experimentally. It appears that there is a tendency for an increase in MF size with age in females as opposed to a tendency for size reduction with age in males; this might suggest a role for sexual hormones in influencing MF size.

Study of position, shape and size of mental foramen in dry adult human mandibles at S.M.S. Medical College, Jaipur

Study of position, shape and size of mental foramen in dry adult human mandibles at S.M.S. Medical College, Jaipur

The assessment of accessory mental foramen in a selected polish population: a CBCT study

BackgroundAccessory mental foramen (AMF) is a rare anatomical variation. When accessory mental foramen is present, the nerves and vessels that go through the mental foramen (MF) must follow alternative courses and special care must be taken during dental treatment planning. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and the location of AMF in a selected Polish population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).MethodsTwo hundred CBCT (105 males and 95 females) examinations were evaluated for the presence of AMFs. The location and side of AMFs were reported. The mean distance between MF and AMF was also calculated. The vertical size of MF on the side with and without AMF was measured. The obtained variables were statistically analyzed.ResultsAMFs were observed in 7% of the patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the appearance of AMF and sex (p > 0.05). We found no significant difference in the vertical size of MF between individuals with and without AMFs (p < 0.05).ConclusionTwenty-eight AMFs (7%) were observed from 400 sides of 200 patients. AMFs occurred more often in males (18 AMFs) than in females (10 AMFs). Twenty AMFs (71.4%) were located anteriorly, and eight (28.6%) - posteriorly. Fifteen AMFs (53.6%) were on the right side and thirteen (46.4%) - on the left.

Morphological and morphometric analysis of the shape, position, number and size of mental foramen on human mandibles.

To provide anatomical information on the position, morphological variations and incidence of mental foramen (MF) and accessory mental foramen (AMF) as they are important for dental surgeons, anesthetists in nerve block and surgical procedures, to avoid injury to the neurovascular bundle in the mental foramen area. Our study was conducted on 150 adult dry human mandibles from the osteological collection of the Department of Anatomy of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo. The location and shape of the MF and the presence of the AMF were studied by visual examination. The size and position of the MF were measured using a digital vernier caliper. SPSS, version 17 software was used for the statistical analysis. Bilateral mental foramina were presented in all 150 mandibles. In the majority of mandibles, the MF was located between the first and second premolar (20.3%) or on the level of the root of the second premolar (60.3%), midway between the inferior margin and the alveolar margin of the mandible. Most of the mental foramina were oval in shape (83.3%). An AMF was present in four mandibles (2.7%) on the right side. This study may be a very useful new supplement to data on variations in the incidence, position, shape and size of mental and accessory mental foramina, which may help surgeons, anaesthetists, neurosurgeons and dentists in carrying out surgical procedures successfully.

Panoramic radiographic study of mental foramen in selected dravidians of south Indian population: A hospital based study.

Background This study aimed at documenting information on appearance, size, horizontal and vertical locations of Mental Foramen (MF) in Panoramic Radiograph. We also analyzed the age and gender differences with radiographic appearance and location of MF. We evaluated these findings in our population and co-relate with results of previous studies. Material and Methods 1662 panoramic radiographs were evaluated, of which 245 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Each radiograph was traced to record the horizontal and vertical locations. The size of MF was recorded using digital caliper and its appearance was determined by visual examination. Chi-square and t-test were employed. Results The most common appearance of MF was continuous type and the tests showed significant difference with age and gender. The most frequent horizontal location of MF was “location c” with no statistical significant difference with age and gender. The MF was most commonly positioned mesially in relation to the apex of second premolar with no significant differences with gender. The vertical location of the foramen varied drastically with no statistical significant difference in both sides. The difference in dimensions on the left and right sides were not statistically significant. Conclusions Determining the morphological appearance and positional variation of MF is important for isolation of mental nerves and vessels when administering local anesthesia and performing surgeries. We therefore stress the importance of accurate radiographic identification of MF and interpretation. Our research findings can be used as reference material by the dental practitioners of South India while performing clinical procedures that involve MF. Key words:Mental foramen, mental nerve, panoramic radiograph, mandible.

Location and Dimensions of the Mental Foramen: A Radiographic Analysis by Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography

IntroductionThe mental foramen (MF) is an important landmark in dentistry. Knowledge of its position is central to perform block anesthesia of the mental nerve or to avoid nerve damage during surgical procedures in the premolar area of the mandible. The present radiographic study aimed at evaluating the location and dimension of the MF and measuring distances to neighboring structures by using limited cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MethodsSagittal, axial, and coronal CBCT images of 142 patients (26 bilateral and 116 unilateral cases) were retrospectively screened to determine the location of the MF with respect to adjacent teeth and to take linear measurements of the size of the MF and its distances to the upper and lower borders of the mandible. In addition, the course and angulation of the mental canal exiting the MF were assessed. ResultsThe majority of MF (56%) were located apically between the 2 premolars, and another 35.7% of MF were positioned below the second premolar. On average, the MF was localized 5.0 mm from the closest root of the adjacent tooth (range, 0.3–9.8 mm). The mean size of the MF showed a height of 3.0 mm and a length of 3.2 mm; however, individual cases showed large differences in height (1.8–5.1 mm) and in length (1.8–5.5 mm). All mental canals exiting the MF demonstrated an upward course in the coronal plane, with 70.1% of the mental canal presenting an anterior loop (AL) in the axial view. The mean extension of AL in cases with an AL was 2.3 mm. ConclusionsThis study is consistent with previous radiographic studies regarding size and location of MF and distances between MF and adjacent anatomic structures. The assessed bilateral cases showed a high intraindividual concordance for certain features when comparing right and left sides.

Morphometrical and morphological study of mental foramen in dry dentulous mandibles of South Andhra population of India

Mental foramen (MF) is an anatomical structure of particular importance in local anesthesia and surgical procedures in terms of achieving effective mandibular nerve blocks and avoiding injuries to the neurovascular bundles. To determine the morphometry and morphology of MF in south Andhra population of India, hitherto unreported. Ninety dry dentulous mandibles of both sexes were examined for position, size, shape and number of MF. Various parameters investigated are, the horizontal distance between (1) symphysis menti and MF was 27.2 mm on right and 27.7 mm on the left, (2) MF and posterior border of ramus was 70.7 mm on both sides, vertical distance between (3) MF and inferior border of mandible was 16.5 mm on right and 14.3 mm on left, (4) alveolar crest and MF was 13.7 mm on right and 16.4 on left, (5) distance between the MF and below the apex of premolar socket was +2.8 mm on right and +3.5 mm on left and above the socket was -2.8 mm on right and -2.7 mm on left. Occurrence of MF below the second premolar tooth was found to be highest (73.2%). Average size of MF was larger on left and its way of exit was in postero-superior direction. Shape of MF was round in 79% and oval in 21% and double MF was found in 8.9% of mandibles. In the present study, most common position of MF was found below the apex of second premolar in 73.2% and between the second premolar and first molar in 19% of mandibles. The other morphometrical findings of this study may be implicated by dental practitioners and maxillofacial surgeons.