Left Accessory Mental Foramen in Dry Mandibles in Department of Anatomy in a Medical College: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The presence of accessory mental foramen is one of the anatomical variations in the mandible. The occurrence of accessory mental foramen can differ in terms of number, shape, and size or there can even be an absence of it. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of left accessory mental foramen in dry mandibles in the Department of Anatomy of a medical college. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a medical college among dry mandibles from 10 January 2021 to 10 June 2021. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 207202005). Intact dry mandibles were studied for the prevalence of left accessory mental foramen. A convenience sampling technique was used. Point estimate and 90% Confidence Interval were calculated. Results: Among 47 dry mandibles, the prevalence of left accessory mental foramen was found to be 4 (8.51%) (1.81-15.21, 90% Confidence Interval). The mean diameter of the left accessory foramen was found to be 1.02±0.03 mm. Conclusions: The prevalence of left accessory mental foramen in mandibles was similar to the studies done in similar settings.

Keywords

• mandible; mental foramen; mental nerve.