Anthropometric Analysis of Mental Foramen in Dry Human Mandibles in Karnataka

Abstract

Background and Objectives The mental foramen which is located on the anterior surface of the mandible is a bilateral opening transmitting mental nerves and vessels that supply important structures around. However, it is reported that the location of mental foramen varies across different races and genders, the awareness of which is vital in surgical interventions, anesthetic applications, and various other invasive procedures. Hence, the objectives of the present study were to study the location, size, and shape of mental foramina in dry human mandibles and to study the incidence of accessory mental foramina in human mandibles. Materials and Methods One hundred eighty dried mandibles were observed for the location, size, and shape of mental foramen. Digital Vernier calipers were used to measure the distance of right and left mental foramen from various locations like alveolar crest, symphysis menti, lower border of mandible, and posterior border of the ramus of mandible. The data were analyzed using SPSS 20 software. The position and number of accessory mental foramen were determined. Results The various positions of mental foramina studied revealed the most common type to be type IV as per the Tebo and Telford classification. The average horizontal diameter was slightly higher than the average vertical diameter in majority of the bones. Accessory mental foramina were observed in 3 mandibles. Conclusion The mental foramen was most commonly situated along the longitudinal axis of second premolar tooth and the shape of the mental foramen was found to be oval in 95% of the bones studied.