Location of the Mental Foramen Using Volumetrically Rendered CBCT Images

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine mental foramen location using volumetrically rendered Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). METHODOLOGY: This is a retrospective study composed of data from 200 scans of patients which were referred to the oral and maxillofacial radiology clinic. Localization was done bilaterally based on the relationship between the mental foramen and posterior teeth in their long axes. six possible position were identified (Position 1: anterior to the first premolar, Position 2: in line with the first premolar, Position 3: between premolars, Position 4: in line with the second premolar, Position 5: between second premolar and first molar, Position 6: in line with first molar). For analysis descriptive statistic were used (mean and frequency). RESULTS: In total, 200 scans were analyzed, 112 (56%) were females and 88 (44%) males with a mean age of 32.5 years (±13.1). Four hundred sites were assessed. The most common position of the mental foramen was in line with the second premolar (position 4) with a prevalence of 45.5%, followed by position 3 (41.5%). The prevalence of the other mental foramen position types combined (type 1, 2, 5 and 6) were 13% .bilateral symmetry was noted in 71% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Mental foramen location can be variable therefore, clinicians should be aware about this variation before surgical procedures involving mental foramen region. CBCT is recommended to avoid possible complication.

Determination of a Cone-Beam Computed Tomography based Assessment of Mental Foramen Position

“…A similar study by Ahmed QN, et al reported the 50% male patients and 50% female patients [12]. Another study by Alfaleh WM reported the higher female patients 56% and lower male patients 44% [13]. A similar study by Zmyslowska-Polakowska E, et al reported the 52.7% male patients and 47.3% female patients [14].…”

A New Method for Assessment of Mental Foramen Related Landmarks Using Computed Tomography Scan

“…The most common places of the MF as described within many literatures which explain its situation have been found under the apex of the first premolar or consistent with the second premolar or in between them. Anatomical sites and gender differences have been reported in the literature (30) . The horizontal course of inferior alveolar nerve is an essential factor for detection of the situation of the site of mental foramen on panoramic radiograph.…”

“…The horizontal course of inferior alveolar nerve is an essential factor for detection of the situation of the site of mental foramen on panoramic radiograph. Studies have reported that in up to 25% of cases, essential structures such as the MF cannot be exactly determined when using panoramic radiographs (30) .…”

“…Uses of panoramic radiograph provide limitation in the accurate knowledge and sites of the mental foramina due to the presence of inherent magnification and geometrical distortion (30) .…”

“…Different factor can be detected when studying CBCT like in accurate situation of the patient, rotation of the tube films around the patient's with acute tilting duration rotation, so, mental foramen obviously detected in all samples as images were acquired using VR CBCT (30) .…”