Characterization of Lingual Foramina Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

: Objective: To assess the location and anatomical character of lingual foramina using CBCT. Materials and Methods: CBCT records of 108 patients were evaluated to detect the presence, location, size, and number of lingual foramina using axial, and cross sectional images. Results: A total of 463 lingual foramina (representing 100% of all patients) were found. Individuals had between one and eight lingual foraminaon their jaw, with the majority of cases having four (24.1%). Regarding the size; 336 (72.7%) were ≤1 mm and 127 (27.3%) were >1 mm. Regarding the location, only 162 (35%) were LLF, while most of the lingual foramina were MLF (65%). Moreover 23 (21.3%) had lingual foramina on only one side of the mandible, and 85(78.7%) had them on both sides of the mandible. Conclusions: CBCT can be used to detect the presence, size, number, and location of mandibular lingual foramina. It is very crucial to recognize characters of these foramina prior to any surgical treatment to avoid operative complications.