Location of the Mental Foramen Using Volumetrically Rendered CBCT Images

volume rendering imaging processing tool. The results will be compared with findings in previous studies. OBJECTIVE: To determine mental foramen location using volumetrically rendered Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).METHODOLOGY: This is a retrospective study composed of data from 200 scans of patients which were referred to the oral and maxillofacial radiology clinic. Localization was done bilaterally based on the relationship between the mental foramen and posterior teeth in their long axes. six possible position were identified (Position 1: anterior to the first premolar, Position 2: in line with the first premolar, Position 3: between premolars, Position 4: in line with the second premolar, Position 5: between second premolar and first molar, Position 6: in line with first molar). For analysis descriptive statistic were used (mean and frequency).RESULTS: In total, 200 scans were analyzed, 112 (56%) were females and 88 (44%) males with a mean age of 32.5 years (±13.1). Four hundred sites were assessed. The most common position of the mental foramen was in line with the second premolar (position 4) with a prevalence of 45.5%, followed by position 3 (41.5%). The prevalence of the other mental foramen position types combined (type 1, 2, 5 and 6) were 13% .bilateral symmetry was noted in 71% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Mental foramen location can be variable therefore, clinicians should be aware about this variation before surgical procedures involving mental foramen region. CBCT is recommended to avoid possible complication. The study was conducted retrospectively from CBCT scans of 200 patients seen in the Oral and Maxillofacial The CBCT examinations were originally done for various reasons, more commonly, implant site assessment, TMJ, orthognathic surgery preoperative assessment. None of the scans were done for the evaluation of position of MF.