1Under Graduate Student, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha University
2Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha University
3Reader, Department of Oral maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha University
*Corresponding Author E-mail: santhoshsurgeon@gmail.com
Online published on 31 October, 2018.
The aim of the study was to assess the location of the mental foramen from the apex of second premolar and the diameter of the mental foramen using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) radiography.
A total of 25 maxillofacial cone beam computed tomography scans were collected and evaluated for the distance of mental foramen from the apex of second premolar. The diameter of the mental foramen was also determined. Data were checked using Sirona software, statistically analyzed and results obtained.
The mean diameter of the mental foramen was 2.7mm-2.8mm. The mean distance from the apex of the second premolar to the upper border of the mental foramen was found to be 4.2mm-4.4mm. This was not statistically significant.
Special concern should be directed to locate the mental foramen using CBCT/3D imaging to prevent injury to the mental nerve during Local anesthesia, periapical surgery, transalveolar extraction, Implant placement and invasive procedures.
Mental foramen, CBCT, mental nerve, mandibular 2nd premolar, position
