Unique anomalous in the main mental foramen opening, mandibular canal pathway, and size and shape of genial tubercles: A case report

Abstract

This clinical report presents a unique and previously unreported case of anatomical variations in the mandible, specifically involving the main mental foramen (MF), the mandibular canal (MC), and genial tubercles (GTs). The case involves a 21-year-old male seeking dental implant rehabilitation. The patient exhibited an unusual lingual exit path of the main left MF through the lingual cortical bone, with the MC following an anterior lingual direction along a lingual groove before exiting through the labial cortical bone between the apexes of the left canine and first premolar. Additionally, the patient displayed excessive enlargement and rare shape of the GTs. These rare anatomical findings presented challenges in dental implant planning. This case report emphasizes the importance of advanced imaging techniques like cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in evaluating mandibular structures for precise treatment planning and highlights the significance of understanding anatomical variations to prevent complications in dental procedures.

Keywords

• Mental foramen
• Mandibular canal
• Genial tubercle
• Anatomical variation