ACMJ
Anatolian Current Medical Journal

Anatolian Current Medical Journal (ACMJ) is an unbiased, peer-reviewed, and open access international medical journal. The Journal publishes interesting clinical and experimental research conducted in all fields of medicine, interesting case reports, and clinical images, invited reviews, editorials, letters, comments, and related knowledge.

eISSN: 2718-0115
Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International License.
EndNote Style

Submit Manuscript

Index
Original Article
Morphometric and morphologic analysis of the mental foramen using cone beam computed tomography
Abstract
Aims: It is critical to know the localization, anatomy and dimensions of mental foramen (MF) to avoid nerve damage during surgical procedures in the mandibular anterior region and to ensure complete local anesthesia for dental procedures. The aim of our study was to retrospectively evaluate the morphological and morphometric features of MF using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to contribute to the existing data.
Methods: In our study, the location of the MF, its horizontal diameter, its vertical diameter, the distance of the MF to the alveolar crest, the distance to the lower border of the mandible, the distance to the apex of the adjacent tooth and the distance to the midline were evaluated in the CBCT images of 500 patients between the ages of 18-65. In addition, the types of exit of the mental nerve from the MF were examined. Pearson Chi-square test was used to analyze categorical variables. Normally distributed characteristics were compared using the student t test.
Results: In our study, CBCT images of 500 cases, 250 (50%) of which were male and 250 (50%) of which were female were examined (mean age: 37.12±11.91). No significant relationship was found between MF location and gender (p>0.05). In the right mandibular region, a statistically significant difference was found between the vertical and horizontal diameters of the MF (higher in males), the distance to the alveolar crest (higher in males), the distance of the MF to the lower border of the mandible (higher in males), the distance to the midline (higher in males) and gender (p<0.05). No statistically significant relationship was found between MF exit types and gender in the right and left mandibular regions (p>0.05).
Conclusion: It is important to examine the localization, size and distance of MF to neighboring anatomical structures, the presence and dimensions of alveolar loop (AL) with CBCT before procedures with high risk of complications in the interforaminal region.

Keywords : Mental foramen, alveolar loop, CBCT

Download Article


1. Gungor E, Aglarci OS, Unal M, Dogan MS, Guven S. Evaluation of mental foramen location in the 10-70 years age range using cone-beam computed tomography. Niger J Clin Pract. 2017;20(1):88-92. doi:10.4103/ 1119-3077.178915
2. Rastogi T, Mehta P, Ravina MS. A radiographic study of mental foramen. J Advances in Oral Health. 2024;1(1):11.
3. Ezirganlı Ş, Ozer K, Sari F, Kirmali O, Kara M. Mental foramenin lokalizasyonun radyografik olarak değerlendirilmesi. Cumhuriyet Dental J. 2011;13(2):96-100.
4. Haghanifar S, Rokouei M. Radiographic evaluation of the mental foramen in a selected Iranian population. Indian J Dent Res. 2009;20(2): 150-152. doi:10.4103/0970-9290.52886
5. Carruth P, He J, Benson BW, Schneiderman ED. Analysis of the size and position of the mental foramen using the CS 9000 cone-beam computed tomographic unit. J Endod. 2015;41(7):1032-1036. doi:10.1016/j.joen. 2015.02.025
6. Von Arx T, Friedli M, Sendi P, Lozanoff S, Bornstein MM. Location and dimensions of the mental foramen: a radiographic analysis by using cone-beam computed tomography. J Endod. 2013;39(12):1522-1528. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2013.07.033
7. Kalender AK, Orhan K, and Aksoy U, Evaluation of the mental foramen and accessory mental foramen in Turkish patients using cone-beam computed tomography images reconstructed from a volumetric rendering program. Clin Anat. 2012;25(5):584-592. doi:10.1002/ca.21277
8. Singh P, Kumar A, Kumar A. Study of position, shape, size, incidence of mental foramen and accessory mental foramen and its clinical significance. Eur J Cardiovasc Med. 2024;14(3):1286-1290.
9. Soman C, Alotaibi WM, Alotaibi SM, Alahmadi GK, Alqhtani NRR. Morphological assessment of the anterior loop in the region of mental foramen using cone beam computed tomography. Int J Morphol. 2024; 1(2):2.
10. Krishnan DT, Joylin K, Packiaraj I, et al. Assessment of the anterior loop and pattern of entry of mental nerve into the mental foramen: a radiographic study of panoramic images. Cureus. 2024;16(3):e55600. doi:10.7759/cureus.55600
11. Uchida Y, Noguchi N, Goto M, et al. Measurement of anterior loop length for the mandibular canal and diameter of the mandibular incisive canal to avoid nerve damage when installing endosseous implants in the interforaminal region: a second attempt introducing cone beam computed tomography. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2009;67(4):744-750. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2008.05.352
12. Sahman H, Sisman Y. Anterior loop of the inferior alveolar canal: a cone-beam computerized tomography study of 494 cases. J Oral Implantol. 2016;42(4):333-336. doi:10.1563/aaid-joi-D-15-00038
13. Xu Y, Suo N, Tian X, et al. Anatomic study on mental canal and incisive nerve canal in interforaminal region in Chinese population. Surg Radiol Anat. 2015;37(6):585-589. doi:10.1007/s00276-014-1402-7
14. Filo K, Schneider T, Locher MC, Kruse AL, L&uuml;bbers HT. The inferior alveolar nerve&#39;s loop at the mental foramen and its implications for surgery. J Am Dent Assoc. 2014;145(3):260-269. doi:10.14219/jada.2013.34
15. White SC, Pharoah MJ. Oral radiology: principles and interpretation. 2013: Elsevier Health Sciences. 2013.
16. Chong BS, Gohil K, Pawar R, Makdissi J. Anatomical relationship between mental foramen, mandibular teeth and risk of nerve injury with endodontic treatment. Clin Oral Investig. 2017;21(1):381-387. doi: 10.1007/s00784-016-1801-8
17. Neiva RF, Gapski R, Wang HL. Morphometric analysis of implant-related anatomy in Caucasian skulls. J Periodontol. 2004;75(8):1061-1067. doi:10.1902/jop.2004.75.8.1061
18. Udhaya K, Saraladevi K, Sridhar J. The morphometric analysis of the mental foramen in adult dry human mandibles: a study on the South Indian population. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013;7(8):1547-1551. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2013/6060.3207
19. Naitoh M, Nakahara K, Hiraiwa Y, Aimiya H, Gotoh K, Ariji E. Observation of buccal foramen in mandibular body using cone-beam computed tomography. Okajimas Folia Anat Jpn. 2009;86(1):25-29. doi: 10.2535/ofaj.86.25
20. Oguz O, Bozkir M. Evaluation of location of mandibular and mental foramina in dry, young, adult human male, dentulous mandibles. West Indian Med J. 2002;51(1):14-16.
21. Ertuğrul A, Sahin H, Kara S. Doğu Anadolu B&ouml;lgesinde yaşayan hastaların mandibular interforaminal alanda mental foramenin karakteristiği: konik ışınlı bilgisayarlı tomografi &ccedil;alışması. Cumhuriyet Dental J. 2013;16(4):252-260.
22. Nal&ccedil;aci R, &Ouml;zt&uuml;rk F, S&ouml;k&uuml;c&uuml; O. A comparison of two-dimensional radiography and three-dimensional computed tomography in angular cephalometric measurements. Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2010;39(2):100-106. doi:10.1259/dmfr/82724776
23. Yim JH, Ryu DM, Lee BS, Kwon YD. Analysis of digitalized panorama and cone beam computed tomographic image distortion for the diagnosis of dental implant surgery. J Craniofac Surg. 2011;22(2):669-673. doi:10.1097/SCS.0b013e31820745a7
24. Khojastepour L, Mirbeigi S, Mirhadi S, Safaee A. Location of mental foramen in a selected Iranian population: a CBCT assessment. Iran Endod J. 2015;10(2):117-121.
25. Nalbantoğlu AM, Yanık D, Albay S. Location and anatomic characteristics of mental foramen in dry adult human mandibles. ADO Klinik Bilimler Dergisi. 2024;13(1):51-58. doi:10.54617/adoklinikbilimler. 1177886
26. Elmansori A, Ambarak OOM, Annaas AH, Greiw AS, Salih RF. Morphometric analysis of the mental foramen in libyan population using cone-beam computed tomography. Scholastic: J Nat Med Education. 2024;3:7-16.
27. Santini A, Alayan I. A comparative anthropometric study of the position of the mental foramen in three populations. Br Dent J. 2012;212(4):E7. doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2012.143
28. Mahabob MN, Sukena SA, Al Otaibi ARM, Bello SM, Fathima AM. Assessment of the mental foramen location in a sample of Saudi Al Hasa, population using cone-beam computed tomography technology: a retrospective study. J Oral Res. 2021;10(3):1-9.
29. Srivastava KC. A CBCT aided assessment for the location of mental foramen and the emergence pattern of mental nerve in different dentition status of the Saudi Arabian population. Brazilian Dent Sci. 2021;24(1):10-P. doi:10.14295/bds.2021.v24i1.2372
30. Apinhasmit W, Methathrathip D, Chompoopong S, Sangvichien S. Mental foramen in Thais: an anatomical variation related to gender and side. Surg Radiol Anat. 2006;28(5):529-533. doi:10.1007/s00276-006-0119-7
31. &Ccedil;aglayan F, S&uuml;mb&uuml;ll&uuml; MA, Akg&uuml;l HM, Altun O. Morphometric and morphologic evaluation of the mental foramen in relation to age and sex: an anatomic cone beam computed tomography study. J Craniofac Surg. 2014;25(6):2227-2230. doi:10.1097/SCS.0000000000001080
32. Haktanır A, Ilgaz K, Turhan-Haktanır N. Evaluation of mental foramina in adult living crania with MDCT. Surg Radiol Anat. 2010;32(4):351-356. doi:10.1007/s00276-009-0572-1
33. Evlice BK. Diş hekimliği uygulamalarında osteoporoz. Arşiv Kaynak Tarama Dergisi. 2013;22(3):273-282.
34. Al-Mahalawy H, Al-Aithan H, Al-Kari B, Al-Jandan B, Shujaat S. Determination of the position of mental foramen and frequency of anterior loop in Saudi population. A retrospective CBCT study. Saudi Dent J. 2017;29(1):29-35. doi:10.1016/j.sdentj.2017.01.001
35. Yang XW, Zhang FF, Li YH, Wei B, Gong Y. Characteristics of intrabony nerve canals in mandibular interforaminal region by using cone-beam computed tomography and a recommendation of safe zone for implant and bone harvesting. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2017;19(3):530-538. doi:10.1111/cid.12474
36. Apostolakis D, Brown JE. The anterior loop of the inferior alveolar nerve: prevalence, measurement of its length and a recommendation for interforaminal implant installation based on cone beam CT imaging. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2012;23(9):1022-1030. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0501.2011. 02261.x
37. Raju N, Zhang W, Jadhav A, Ioannou A, Eswaran S, Weltman R. Cone-beam computed tomography analysis of the prevalence, length, and passage of the anterior loop of the mandibular canal. J Oral Implantol. 2019;45(6):463-468. doi:10.1563/aaid-joi-D-18-00236
38. Othman B, Zahid T. Mental nerve anterior loop detection in panoramic and cone beam computed tomography radiograph for safe dental implant placement. Cureus. 2022;14(10):e30687. doi:10.7759/cureus.30687
39. Rodricks D, Phulambrikar T, Singh SK, Gupta A. Evaluation of incidence of mental nerve loop in Central India population using cone beam computed tomography. Indian J Dent Res. 2018;29(5):627-633. doi: 10.4103/ijdr.IJDR_50_17
40. Alyami OS, Alotaibi MS, Koppolu P, et al. Anterior loop of the mental nerve in Saudi sample in Riyadh, KSA. A cone beam computerized tomography study. Saudi Dent J. 2021;33(3):124-130. doi:10.1016/j.sdentj.2020.03.001
41. De Brito ACR, Nejaim Y, De Freitas DQ, De Oliveira Santos C. Panoramic radiographs underestimate extensions of the anterior loop and mandibular incisive canal. Imaging Sci Dent. 2016;46(3):159-165. doi:10.5624/isd.2016.46.3.159
42. Sinha S, Kandula S, Sangamesh NC, Rout P, Mishra S, Bajoria AA. Assessment of the anterior loop of the mandibular canal using cone-beam computed tomography in Eastern India: a record-based study. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent. 2019;9(3):290-295. doi:10.4103/jispcd.JISPCD_83_19
43. Li X, Jin ZK, Zhao H, Yang K, Duan JM, Wang WJ. The prevalence, length and position of the anterior loop of the inferior alveolar nerve in Chinese, assessed by spiral computed tomography. Surg Radiol Anat. 2013;35(9):823-830. doi:10.1007/s00276-013-1104-6
44. Sahu S, Hellwig D, Morrison Z, Hughes J, Sadleir RJ. Contrast-free visualization of distal trigeminal nerve segments using MR neurography. J Neuroimaging. 2024;34(5):595-602. doi:10.1111/jon.13230
Article available in :
Volume 7, Issue 2, 2025
Page : 132-139
https://doi.org/10.38053/acmj.1614898
Article Information
Received : 07 Oca 2025
Accepted : 27 Oca 2025
Published : 21 Mar 2025
Corresponding Author :

Sedef Kotanlı: Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Harran University, Şanlıurfa, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Kotanlı S, Doğan MS, Yavuz Y, Kotanlı MV, Çelik N, Bingül MB. Morphometric and morphologic analysis of the mental foramen using cone beam computed tomography. Anatolian Curr Med J. 2025;7(2):132-139.

Read: 15
Cited: 0
Download : 16
_Footer