Anterior Loop Presence and Extension Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Mental foramen and anterior loop are considered to be essential anatomical landmarks for implant placement, the facilitation of giving local anesthesia, making incisions, performing peri-apical surgeries and can be misleading with pathological conditions and other lesions in the lower 1^st molar to the lower canine area of the mandible. The aim is to study presence and extension of the anterior loop using cone-beam computed tomography. 90 individuals were divided into gender groups (45 males and 45 females) and then each gender group subdivide in to three age groups: 1^st group (20–30), 2^nd group (30–40) and the 3^rd group (40–50) using cone-beam computed tomography. Anterior loop has been found in the right side in 31 individuals out of 90 and 34 in the left side with 3.10 mean extension in right side and 3.90 mean extension in the left side, In our study the incidence of the anterior loop in females (34) 37.7% is slightly higher than males (31) 34.4%. Anterior loop can be found up to 30% in patients and its presences and extension decreases with age.