Cone beam computed tomography study on the relation between mental foramen and roots of mandibular teeth, presence of anterior loop and satellite foramina.

PURPOSE

To investigate the position of the mental foramen based on its relation with the roots of the mandibular teeth and quantify the prevalence of anterior loop and satellite foramina in the mandible in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 400 CBCT scans of males (n=190) and females (n=210) from Moscow, Russia. Using the system proposed by Tebo and Telford (1950), the position of the mental foramen was classified into: I) mesial to the mandibular first premolar; II) at the apex of the mandibular first premolar; III) between the roots of the mandibular first and second premolars; IV) at the apex of the mandibular second premolar; V) between the roots of the mandibular second premolar and first molar; and VI) at the apex of the roots of the mandibular first molar. Additionally, the images were assessed to investigate the prevalence of the anterior loop of the mandibular canal and the presence of satellite foramina.

RESULTS

Mental foramen position class III was the most prevalent (61%) followed by class IV (27%), II (8%), I, V and VI (together <4%). Statistically significant differences were not detected between males and females (P<0.05). In Russian males and females, the anterior loop of the mandibular canal was found in 15.78% and 3%, respectively; while satellite foramina were found in 31.58% and 19.62%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The spatial position of the mental foramen and the morphological alterations of the mandibular canal and adjacent foramina must be known prior to surgical interventions in the mandible.