Evaluation of Mandibular Lingual Foramina With Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of 3 kinds of mandibular lingual foramina through cone beam computed tomography images to analyze its diameter, frequency, location and its correlation with age in southeast Chinese mainland population. Lingual foramina in 299 patients were grouped into midline lingual foramina (MLF), lateral lingual foramina (LLF), and nutrient foramina (NF) with diameters and frequency measured. Vertical distances from foramina to mandibular inferior border were recorded as Hinf. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, independent sample t tests and Pearson correlation. Results showed that MLF had a frequency of 99.3% at midline symphysis. Average diameter and Hinf of MLF were 0.65 ± 0.19 and 13.79 ± 2.15 mm, respectively. Lateral lingual foramina had a frequency of 63.2% with the majority observed in premolar region. Average diameter and Hinf of LLF were 0.62 ± 0.19 and 6.90 ± 1.88 mm, respectively. Nutrient foramina had a frequency of 91.3% and was most frequently detected between mandibular incisors. Average diameter and Hinf of NF were 0.57 ± 0.15 and 28.39 ± 2.38 mm, respectively. Mean diameter of MLF and NF of each patient correlated with age (r = 0.174 and 0.201, respectively, P < 0.05). No statistical correlation was observed between average diameter of LLF and age (r = 0.114, P > 0.05). Preoperative cone beam computed tomography is a valuable aid in locating lingual foramina, which could be used as an indication to avoid unwanted hemorrhage in implant surgery.