Morphometric Analysis of Mandibular Foramen in Saudi Children Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the position of the mandibular foramen (MF) with regard to the occlusal plane (OP) and the anterior border (AB) of the mandibular ramus (AB) in a sample of 7-12-year-old Saudi children using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this descriptive, observational study, 155 CBCT scans were selected and analyzed for positional changes in the MF. Reconstructed panoramic and axial sections were used to measure the MF-OP and MF-AB distances, respectively, on both the right and left sides of the mandible. Data were analyzed using paired -test, independent -test, one-way analysis of variance, and Tukey's honest significant difference tests where applicable, at a significance level of < 0.05.

RESULTS

The mean distance of MF from the AB of the ramus was 14.68 mm, with no significant differences between the genders ( > 0.05). The MF moved upward from a position below the OP to above it, according to age in both males and females, and the difference between the age groups was significant ( < 0.05). No significant differences ( < 0.05) in the mean values of distances between the right and left sides of the mandible were seen.

CONCLUSIONS

The location of the MF varies with respect to age and should be considered while administering inferior alveolar nerve block in children to achieve a more effective anesthesia.