Assessment of accessory mental foramen using cone-beam computed tomography and its clinical relevance

Abstract

© 2020 Journal of the Anatomical Society of India. All rights reserved. Introduction: Accessory mental foramen (AMF) is defined as any additional opening on the anterior surface of the mandible body that is connected to the mandibular canal. The presence of AMF is an important anatomical parameter when planning the therapy to avoid neurovascular bundle injury and other complications. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides an accurate, three-dimensional determining of the position, its dimensions and the relation of AMF to the mental foramen (MF), as well as the distinction from nutritive openings. Material and Methods: The research was carried out at the Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, as a retrospective study where 148 CBCT images were analyzed. The analysis of the position of AMF, the relation to and the distance from the MF were made on cross-sectional and axial images. Only those openings that have had a clear connection with the mandibular canal were counted as AMF. Results: AMF was present in 12 (8.11%) patients. In most cases, AMF was positioned superior to MF, in 27% of patients. There was no significant statistical difference between sex and the jaw side. The average distance of AMF from MF was 4.52 ± 2.21 mm. In most cases, AMF is round shaped (60%). The average value of the surface area is 1.62 ± 1.14 mm2. Discussion and Conclusion: Timely detection of AMF using CBCT contributes to the diagnosis and planning of appropriate dentures, surgical technique, preventing possible damage to adjacent anatomical structures, or some other therapy.