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. Since the appearance and location varies with geographical location, this study was done to evaluate these findings in our population and co-relate with the results of previous studies.
Method:
662 panoramic radiographs were evaluated, out 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 Vernier caliper and its appearance was determined by visual examination. Chi-square and t-test were employed.
Result:
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 respective second premolar with no significant differences with gender. Our study indicated that the vertical location of the foramen varied drastically with no statistical significant difference in both the sides. The difference in dimensions on the left and right sides were not statistically significant. Our results supported few (not all) previous studies which clearly indicated that MF has variation in different populations.
Conclusion:
Determining the morphological appearance and positional variation of MF is important for isolation of mental nerves and vessels when administering local anesthesia and performing periapical surgeries. We therefore stress the importance of thorough radiographic interpretation before administration of local anesthesia or conducting any surgery of mandible in the vicinity of mental foramen. Our research findings can be used as reference material by the dental practitioners while performing clinical procedures that involve MF.