A CONE-BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY BASED ASSESSMENT OF MENTAL FORAMEN POSITION

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the position of the mental foramen in relation to gender and side using Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images for providing the grounds for a better understanding of the anatomy of the region leading to better treatment planning and outcome. Study Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi from Dec 2014 to May 2015. Material and Methods: The study included CBCT images of 64 patients (32 male & 32 females) above the age of 18 years obtained from the main departmental data. Position of the MF was analyzed using the 3D reconstruction of the images in relation to the long axis of associated teeth in mandibular arch. In addition, pattern of emergence of the foramen (using axial section) and presence of accessory mental foramen was also noted. Results: In our study group the most common position of the MF associated with second premolar (54.7%) on right side and 67.2% on left side. Straight pattern of E was found most commonly both on right (62.5%) and left (47.5%) sides. AMF was found in total 4 cases on right side (6.3%) and in one case on left side (1.6%). Conclusion: Although the MF is most commonly associated with second premolar however variation in anatomy and presence of AMF should always be kept in mind while performing surgery in the area to avoid the neurosensory disturbance.

Keywords

• position
• mental foramen
• emergence pattern
• cbct