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Published on: September 8, 2023
Characterisation of additional mental foramina through cone beam computed tomography
Christiano Oliveira-Santos1, Paulo Henrique Couto Souza, Soraya De Azambuja Berti-Couto
1Oral Imaging Center and Department of Periodontology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. oliveirachristiano@hotmail.com
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
|December 15, 2010
Summary
Additional mental foramina (AMF) variations in jaw bone neurovascularization are common, found in 9.4% of patients. Understanding these anatomical differences is crucial for safer surgical procedures like dental implants.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Neurovascular variations in the jaw bone can increase surgical risks.
- Identifying additional mental foramina (AMF) is essential for preventing complications during dental implant and orthognathic surgeries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize additional mental foramina (AMF) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).
- To describe the frequency, size, location, and canal direction of AMF.
- To assess AMF in relation to ipsilateral and contralateral mental foramina (MF).
Main Methods:
- Analysis of CBCT images from 285 patients.
- Quantification of AMF prevalence, dimensions, and location.
- Comparison of AMF with existing mental foramina (MF).
Main Results:
- Prevalence of AMF was 9.4%, with 0-2 foramina observed per patient.
- AMF diameters averaged 1.9 mm, compared to 3.8 mm (ipsilateral MF) and 4.1 mm (contralateral MF).
- Variable AMF locations were noted, frequently posterior or anterosuperior to the MF.
Conclusions:
- Significant anatomical variability in jaw bone neurovascularization exists.
- CBCT is a valuable tool for assessing individual anatomical features of mental foramina.
- Awareness of AMF can aid in reducing surgical risks.
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