Morphological Variations, Number, and Position of Lingual Foramina Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography: A...

This study aims to determine the morphological variations of mandibular lingual foramina (LF) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the Salvadoran population.

We collected data from 300 CBCT scans to examine medial lingual foramina (MLF) and lateral lingual foramina (LLF). The study included 151 women and 149 men over the age of 18 years with intact dentition, and the scans were performed using the Orthophos SL 3D system. Two trained observers made all the measurements. The data were analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey's test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and the Mann-Whitney U tests, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

In total, the authors identified 1,195 LF in the evaluated CBCT scans, comprising 699 MLF and 496 LLF, with a higher prevalence observed in men. A significant difference was found regarding the higher presence of MLFs in the 18-44 age-group (p = 0.013). The diameters of MLFs were measured at 0.63 ± 0.21 mm in women and 0.64 ± 0.17 mm in men (p = 0.298). The lengths were 8.78 ± 1.44 mm in women and 9.66 ± 3.51 mm in men (p = 0.002). No significant differences were noted based on their age-group. Additionally, a larger diameter of MLFs was associated with a lower number of foramina (p < 0.001), and this relationship was similarly observed with length (p = 0.01). The largest MLF diameters were noted in the supraspinous and interspinous positions (p = 0.001), while the most extended lengths were found in the interspinous and infraspinous positions (p < 0.001).

This study highlights the practical implications of understanding the morphological variations in LF. The authors found that all participants had MLFs, with men aged 18-44 years exhibiting fewer foramina. This knowledge is crucial for dental professionals as it can help them to anticipate and manage the potential higher risk during surgical interventions for this demographic due to the potential for larger diameters and lengths located in more superior positions along the bone rim.

Dentists should understand that the morphological variations of MLF can differ significantly within a given population. Additionally, there is a lack of research in Central America, which restricts clinicians and radiologists from accessing crucial information. This knowledge gap may hinder their ability to recognize these variations, potentially leading to complications that could jeopardize dental treatments and patient health. How to cite this article: Guevara-Ayala SJ, Pinel-Ordoñez BE, Llaguno-Rubio JM, et al. Morphological Variations, Number, and Position of Lingual Foramina Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography: A Cross-sectional Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2025;26(10):996-1000.