Objective: To determine mental foramen location using volumetrically rendered Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
Material and Methods: 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 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.
Key words: Key words: Mental Foramen, panoramic radiography, Mandible, CBCT.
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