Analysis of the mental foramen using cone beam computerized tomography

AbstractIntroductionKnowledge of the anatomical structures located in the region between the mental foramina is of critical importance in pre-operative planning.ObjectiveTo evaluate the position of the mental foramen relative to the apices of the teeth and the distance to the edges of the mandible, using cone beam computerized tomography.Material and methodOne hundred cone beam computerized tomographs of the mandible were evaluated; the tomographs were taken using a single tomographic device. Each image chosen was evaluated repeatedly from both sides of the mandible, the position of the mental foramen, indicating the region in which the foramen was found and the measures of the mental foramen, the lingual cortex and the mandibular base. Initially, the data were analyzed descriptively. A value of p<0.05 was chosen as the level of significance.ResultForty-two percent of the mental foramina were located in the apex of the second pre-molar. The lingual margin of the mental foramen was located, on average, 3.1mm from the lingual cortex. The lower margin of the mental foramen was located 7.25 mm above the lower edge of the mandible.ConclusionThe mental foramen was located more frequently at a level of the apices of the second pre-molars, with a distance to the lingual cortex, on average, of 3.1mm and to the base of the mandible, on average, of 7.25 mm.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Saito,Kunihiro, Araújo,Ney Soares de, Saito,Miki Taketomi, Pinheiro,João de Jesus Viana, Carvalho,Pedro Luiz de
Format:	Digital revista
Language:	English
Published:	Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho 2015
Online Access:	http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1807-25772015000400226
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