Evaluation of mental foramen using cone beam computed tomography in Pakistani population

Abstract

Introduction: Mental foramen is an important landmark in the mandible. Its anatomical location varies between persons as well as in different populations. Knowing the location of mental foramen can help in surgical, endodontic and implant placement procedures in the mandible. This study was done to establish the location of mental foramen in Pakistani population.

Material and Methods: 200 CBCT’s were evaluated for the number, position and distance of mental foramen from lower border of mandible using built in software. The study was carried out in Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi.

Results: Out of the total sample assessed, 4.5% had accessory mental foramen and the most common position being in line with second premolar. The average distance of the lower border of mental foramen from lower border of mandible was 11.97mm ± 1.359 for left side and 12.00mm ± 1.764 for right side.

Conclusions: The anatomy of mental foramen is different in various populations and knowing the location in Pakistani population can help in treatment planning for various dental procedures planned for the mandibular premolar region.