Radiological locations of mental foramen in local population

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the accurate radiographic location of the mental foramen and its prevalence by gender and different age groups.
Methodology: This Cross-sectional study was conducted at dental department at ISRA University Hospital Hyderabad, from September 2014 to Feb 2015. We studied 70 patients. All patients > 18 years age and both sex and presence of the canine, first premolar, second premolar and first molar in the images were included. Detailed patients’ history was taken and detailed clinical examination was done. Patients were subject to relevant investigation panoramic digital images. All the data was recorded in the proforma.
Results: Out of total 70 patients included in this study 30 were male (42.85%) and 40 females (57.14%); with male to female ratio of 1:1.3. The mean age was 22+3.20 years. Mental foramen on radiographic were visible below first premolar in 35(50%) cases followed by mental foramen at below 2nd premolar in 30(42.85 %) cases and below first premolar in 5(7.14%) cases. Variation in the inferior alveolar canal observed. Variation in the inferior alveolar canal was Bifid canal only in two patients.
Conclusion: Mental foramen on radiographic were visible below first premolar 50%, below 2nd premolar 42.85% and below first premolar in 7.14%. While no significant relationship was found with gender and age.