Proposed Classification of Midline Lingual Canal: A CBCT Study

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral Anatomy
• Radiology

Background:

• The inter-foraminal region contains anatomical landmarks relevant to complications after dental implant placement.
• Hemorrhagic and nervous disturbances in this region can be explained by specific anatomical variations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of the midline lingual canal (MLC) using CBCT.
• To assess the anatomical significance of MLC in the context of dental implantology.

Main Methods:

• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were performed on 100 subjects.
• Measurements included MLC number, diameter, length, direction, and distances to surrounding mandibular structures.

Main Results:

• All 100 subjects presented with at least one MLC.
• The average MLC diameter was 1.67 mm, and average length was 7.34 mm.
• 70% of subjects had multiple canals (Group M), with 80% falling into the D2 classification.

Conclusions:

• CBCT effectively visualizes MLC, providing crucial anatomical information.
• Clinicians must be aware of the midline mandibular lingual canal's location and exercise caution during procedures in this area.