IADR Abstract Archives
Anatomical Localizacion of Mental Foramen Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Objectives: Confirmation of the foramen mental (FM) location is essential to avoid nerve injuries during dental procedures. The distance from the FM to the adjacent tooth can be assessed by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) safely and accurately. The objetive was to determine the average ditance between the upper cortex of the FM and the nearest dental apex, in a population Valdivia, Chile.
Methods: An observational study was perfomed that measured the distance in millimeters (mm) from FM to the nearest dental apex of 99 CBCT examinatios that met the inclusion criteria (patients over 18 years of age, complete mandibular dentition excluding third molar, complete root formation) and exclusion criteria ( Bone pathology in the mental region, mandibular fracture, history of periapiapical surgery, presence of foramines, non-diagnostic CBCT, patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. The measurement was made in a cut that intercepts the FM and the nearest dental apex.
Results: A total 99 cases where evaluated ( 72 women/ 27 men), with an average age 34.7 years and a range of 18-73 years. The FM was located at 3.22mm from the nearest dental apex, the minimum distance found was 0.81mm and the maximum 6.99mm and 47.93% of the distance are less than 3mm from the upper cortex of the FM to the nearest dental apex. It is related to the second premolar in 79% of cases and first premolar in 17%
Conclusions: The FM is located close to the premolar area, its location can very considerably in relation to the apices of these teeth. This study confirms the importance of being cautious during endodontic and / or surgical treatments to prevent nerve injuries in relation to this anatomical structure
Methods: An observational study was perfomed that measured the distance in millimeters (mm) from FM to the nearest dental apex of 99 CBCT examinatios that met the inclusion criteria (patients over 18 years of age, complete mandibular dentition excluding third molar, complete root formation) and exclusion criteria ( Bone pathology in the mental region, mandibular fracture, history of periapiapical surgery, presence of foramines, non-diagnostic CBCT, patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. The measurement was made in a cut that intercepts the FM and the nearest dental apex.
Results: A total 99 cases where evaluated ( 72 women/ 27 men), with an average age 34.7 years and a range of 18-73 years. The FM was located at 3.22mm from the nearest dental apex, the minimum distance found was 0.81mm and the maximum 6.99mm and 47.93% of the distance are less than 3mm from the upper cortex of the FM to the nearest dental apex. It is related to the second premolar in 79% of cases and first premolar in 17%
Conclusions: The FM is located close to the premolar area, its location can very considerably in relation to the apices of these teeth. This study confirms the importance of being cautious during endodontic and / or surgical treatments to prevent nerve injuries in relation to this anatomical structure