Lingual Foramina and Canals of the Mandible: Anatomic Variations in a Lebanese Population

Abstract

Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the mandibular lingual foramina (LF) and canals and their anatomic variations using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology in a Lebanese population.Materials and Methods:In this study, we analyzed CBCT images of 90 adult Lebanese patients (41 males and 49 females). We assessed the number and location of the LF. In additional, we measured: (a) The distance from both the alveolar crest and the inferior border of the mandible to the LF and (b) the length of the lingual canals (LCs). The data obtained was analyzed statistically using Shapiro–Wilk normality test, t-test, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests. Statistical significance was set at 0.05.Results:In our sample, the LF and canals were present in 93.33% of the CBCT analyzed, and the majority (76.64%) was located above the genial tubercles. The distance from the foramen of the superior and the inferior LCs to the alveolar crest was 16.24 ± 2.82 mm and 25.49 ± 2.43 mm, respectively. The distance from the foramen of the superior canal to the inferior border of the mandible was 14 ± 2.32 mm. The mean length of the superior canal was 5.81 ± 1.6 mm and 4.25 ± 1.2 mm for the inferior one. There were no gender-related differences in the anatomic characteristics of the LF and canals except for the distance measured from the superior canal foramina to the alveolar crest where the measurement was significantly greater in males compared to females. Neither the number of canals nor the positions of the foramina were different between males and females.Conclusion:Within the limits of this study, we concluded that in our sample of Lebanese adults, there was substantial variability in the LF and canals anatomy and location.

Anatomical characteristics of the lingual foramen in ancient skulls: a cone beam computed tomography study in an Anatolian population

“…Aoun et al [19] found no statistical significant differences between male and female group neither for the number of lingual canals nor the position of the foramina. They estimated most of the lingual foramina (76.64%) were located above the gonial tubercles, and the remaining were located below the tubercles.…”

Prevalence and Anatomical Variations in the Mandibular Lingual Canal in a Sample of Egyptian Population Using Cbct: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In the past century surgical procedures in the lower anterior segment of the mandible including orthognathic surgeries, dental implants (which are considered as the current preferred line of treatment for the prosthetic rehabilitation of edentulous patients), bone grafting, and lowering genial spines procedures of edentulous patients have become more frequent (Assari et al 2017 & Aoun et al 2017) 4,3 . This area in the past has traditionally been considered as a "surgical safe zone" because of the absence of important superficial nerves or vessels.…”

Evaluation of the Lingual Canals of Mandible in Cone Beam Computed Tomography

“…The number of LCs situated on the midline varied from 1 to 4 [8,9], but most frequently one [5,10] or two [6,11] canals were identified. A recent study designed to report on lingual foramina and canals evaluated exclusively those in the anterior mandible [12], but seemingly the LCs were overlooked. This could explain why in 6/90 mandibles the LCs and foramina could not be located [12].…”