Evaluation of the Distance between the Mental Foramen and the Mandibular Edge: Cone Beam Computed Tomography Analysis in Turkish Population

Abstract

Summary Background/Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the distance between the mental foramen and the upper and lower edges of the mandible in the Turkish population according to different gender and age groups. Material and Methods: A total of 1756 samples of 878 patients who presented at the Dentomaxillofacial Radiology Department of the Dentistry Faculty of Dicle University were included in the study for evaluation of the distance between the mental foramen and the upper and lower edges of the mandible. The cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were taken using an I-CAT Vision device (Imaging Science International, Hatfield, USA). Multiple variance analysis was used in the statistical analyses of the data. Results: A statistically significant difference was identified between the genders in respect of the distance of the external edge of the mental foramen from the upper edge of the mandible (p=0,000). In the evaluations of the different age groups, no statistically significant difference was determined. A statistically significant difference was determined between the gender and age groups in respect of the distance of the mental foramen from the lower edge of the mandible (p=0,000). Conclusions: The distance of the mental foramen from the upper and lower edges of the mandible can show variations according to age and gender. Therefore, the use of CBCT as a 3-dimensional imaging method with a low radiation dose is recommended.