Methods: The 250 panoramic radiographs of adult patients who needed for different reasons and taken with Planmeca panoramic set (model PM 2002 CC) were evaluated in radiology department. The position of the mandibular foramen relative to the superior, inferior, and posterior borders of the mandibular ramus and sigmoid notch were measured. The diameter of the mandibular foramen was also determined using caliper with 0.05 mm accuracy. The panoramic film magnifications were also measured and the real distances were estimated.
Results: Average distance of mandibular foramen was 15.17±3.64 mm from ramus anterior border, 32.21±4.39 mm from ramus posterior border, 13.40±2.20 mm from inferior border of ramus, and 13.71±2.99 mm from sigmoid notch. In addition, the mandibular foramen diameter was 4.38±1.08 mm.
Conclusions: This information can be used to perform safer inferior nerve block during surgical interventions.