CBCT Evaluation of the Vital Mandibular Interforaminal Anatomical Structures

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
• Dental Implantology

Background:

• Oral implants in the mandibular anterior region require careful identification of vital structures like the inferior alveolar nerve, mandibular incisive canal (MIC), anterior loop (AL), and mental foramen (MF) to prevent complications.
• Variations in these anatomical landmarks can impact surgical planning and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate vital anatomical structures within the mandibular interforaminal region using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
• To investigate potential sexual dimorphism and side differences (left vs. right) in these anatomical parameters.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 80 CBCT scans (40 male, 40 female) to assess MF position and shape, AL and MIC presence and dimensions, mandibular canal emergence patterns, and MF/AL symmetry.
• CBCT imaging performed using a CS 9300 machine with specific parameters (80 kVp, 15 mA, 0.3 mm voxel size, 10x5 cm FOV).
• Multiplanar reconstructions (axial, panoramic, cross-sectional) utilized for detailed evaluation.

Main Results:

• The most frequent MF position was below the second premolar apex on the right and between the premolars on the left, with 75% symmetrical MF positioning.
• Oval-shaped mental foramina were most common across genders and sides.
• High prevalence of MIC (93.75%) with a mean length of 12.09 mm and AL (53.13%) with a mean length of 1.07 mm.
• No statistically significant sexual dimorphism (P > 0.05) was observed for any evaluated interforaminal parameter between genders or sides.

Conclusions:

• CBCT evaluation of mandibular vital anatomical structures is essential prior to planning interforaminal implant placement.
• The study found no significant sexual dimorphism in the evaluated mandibular interforaminal anatomical parameters.