Exploring The Hidden Anatomy: Cone-Beam Ct Insights Into Mental And Median Lingual Foramen Variations In South Indian Population

Background: The mental foramen (MF) and median lingual foramen (MLF) are key anatomical landmarks in the mandible, crucial for dental implants, extractions, and other mandibular surgeries. Despite their importance, variations in these foramina within specific populations, such as the South Indian demographic, are not well understood. This study aimed to assess these variations among the South Indian population.

Materials and Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography scans of 892 patients (452 men and 440 women), aged 25 to 65, were analyzed. MF characteristics measured included distance from crest to upper border (MF1), distance from lower border to mandibular border (MF2), and emerging angle (EA), on both sides. MLF characteristics included distance from upper border of buccal (BD) and lingual terminals (LD) to the alveolar crest, canal length (LC), and diameters of the buccal (DB) and lingual terminals (DL), with assessments for supraspinous and infraspinous MLF. The data was collected and statistically analyzed.

Results: MF parameters were significantly larger on the right side compared to the left (p<0.05). Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between males and females for all MF measurements. Supraspinous and infraspinous MLF measurements also showed significant differences (p<0.05), but no significant gender differences were found in MLF measurements (p>0.05).

Conclusion: MF dimensions were greater on the right side, and males had higher mean values. Also, infraspinous MLF showed greater distances from the alveolar crest, with no significant gender differences.