Radiographic study of mental foramen type and position in Bangalore population

Background: The mental foramen is defined as the entire funnel-like opening in the lateral surface of the mandible at the terminus of the mental canal. The mental foramen marks the termination of mandibular canal in the mandible, through which the inferior alveolar nerve and vessels pass. Position of the mental foramen is important when administering regional anesthesia. The aim of this study was to determine the most common type and position of mental foramen in Bangalore population using digital panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 (50 M and 50 F) digital panoramic radiographs were collected from Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology within age of 15-50 years, type and position of mental foramen was analyzed. Results: The most common occurrence is Type I and position 4 (symmetrical) of mental foramen. Comparison of type in males and females appears significant. Comparison of the position in males and females appears not significant. Conclusion: The following study suggests that clinicians should carefully identify mental foramen thus minimizing complications during implant, orthognathic surgery and treatment of maxillofacial injuries.