Morphological variations of lingula and prevalence of accessory mandibular foramina in mandibles: A study

Abstract

Introduction:The lingula is used for identifying the site for injection of local anesthetics and for excision of nerve in facial neuralgia. The relationship between lingula and lingual nerves may aid in risk associated with an impacted third molar. Due to its connection to nerve and vascular structures, the study of the lingula provides important information related to oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, such as the sagittal split ramus osteotomy and the intraoral vertico-sagittal ramus osteotomy carried out to correct dento facial deformities. Intra-operative complications such as hemorrhage, fracture, and nerve injury may occur if lingula is not correctly identified.Materials and Methods:This study was conducted in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Career Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Lucknow, U. P (India) on fifty (100 sides) dry adult human mandibles to determine the different shapes of lingula. The shapes of the lingula were classified as triangular, truncated, nodular, and assimilated types.Results:The most common shape found in the study was the triangular (61.6%) while the least common shape was the assimilated (11.6%). All types of lingule were more prevalent unilaterally. The prevalence of accessory mandibular foramina (AMF) was 12% on the right side and 4% on the left side of the mandible.Conclusion:The present study provides information regarding different shapes of lingule and incidence of AMF in the populations of Lucknow and its surrounding areas (Uttar Pradesh) North India. The findings of the present study are very helpful to oro-dental surgeons, anthropologists, and forensic practice experts.

Evaluation of Mandibular Lingual and Foramen Location in Class I, Class II, and Class III Patients and its Significance in Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy

“…At the same time, accurate measurement of the patient’s mandible before surgery is also highly recommended and essential for precise surgical planning. However, the height of the lingula might vary among the population 28,29 . This study of the position of the ML and MF in the Chinese population could be advantageous for Chinese surgeons.…”

Three‐dimensional evaluation of mandibular lingula: Comparisons of skeletal angle classifications and growth patterns

“…Consequently, ML assumes a critical role in identifying this vital structure, necessitating routine identification during regular dental treatments and orthosurgeries. [1][2][3][4] The significance behind this lies in the functionality of the neurovascular bundle itself. As the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) supplies sensory innervation to the lower teeth, administering an inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) is a commonly employed technique to anaesthetise the lower teeth in everyday dental practice.…”

“…[10][11][12][13][14]17,18 The findings in this field have been controversial due to variations in the evaluation techniques employed and the need for consistent reference planes defined in these studies. 2,4,13,17,[19][20][21][22][23][24][25] These controversies include not only the absolute values of the measurements regarding the ML reference point, but also the correlation between factors such as gender, angle classification and growth pattern on the ML position.…”

“…The mandibular lingula's (ML) positioning and localization have garnered significant attention due to its proximity to the mandibular foramen (MF), the entrance point for essential structures like the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle within the mandible. Consequently, ML assumes a critical role in identifying this vital structure, necessitating routine identification during regular dental treatments and orthosurgeries 1–4 . The significance behind this lies in the functionality of the neurovascular bundle itself.…”