Morphological analysis of mental foramen; study of cone beam computed tomography images
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Aims: This retrospective study investigated the location and profile of the mental foramen (MF) and its connection with neighboring structures in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Methods: In this retrospective study, the sample consisted of 300 CBCT images. The height and width of the MF, its distance from the mandibular margins and midline, and its position relative to the teeth and tooth apices were also measured. Calculations were categorized by age groups (15-30,31-45, 46-60), gender, and point. Results: 46.2% of MF were between the two premolars, while 44.5% were at the apex of the 2nd premolar. 60.7% of MF were round. The horizontal diameter of MF was higher in the 46-60 age group (p=0.01). The horizontal/vertical diameter ratio and the distance to the upper border of the mandible were higher in the 46-60 group than in the 15-30 (p=0.03). The distance of the MF to the lower margin of the mandible was statistically lower in the 15-30 age group (p<0.001). The horizontal diameter, vertical diameter, distance to the upper border, lower border, and mandibular midline were greater in males (p<0.01). Conclusion: Most MFs are between the two premolars and under the apex of the 2nd premolar. The data on the mental foramen, which we evaluated with three-dimensional imaging and extensive sampling, will serve as a guide for all dental procedures in the mandible.
Source: Journal of Radiology in Medicine
DOI: 10.51271/jrm-0031
Language: English
Subfield: Oral Surgery
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4412371627