Evaluation of mental foramen location in the 10-70 years age range using cone-beam computed tomography

Introduction: Mental foramen (MF) locations were determined according to gender and age in terms of the vertical distance from the surrounding anatomical structures and the vertical and horizontal size of the MF. Materials and Methods: One hundred-seven male and 103 female patients in the age group between 10 and 70 years were included in our retrospective study and were examined using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The right and the left MF locations were determined from panoramic and cross-sectional images. On the cross-sectional CBCT images, the distance of the MF upper limit from the alveolar crest edge, the distance of the MF lower limit from the lower edge of the mandible, and vertical size of the MF were measured. Results: MF location differed in males and females (P < 0.001); it was generally located at the first and second premolar in females, and at the level of the second premolar in males. However, the MF location was not different on the right and left sides (P = 0.436). The distance of the MF from the surrounding anatomic structures were found to be lower in females than in males in all measurements (P < 0.001). The horizontal size of the MF was found to be less on the left side (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Knowing both the position and the distance of the MF from the surrounding anatomical structures is not only useful information for surgery, but will also help avoid complications such as paresthesia.