Location of the mental foramen in dry mandibles of adultindividuals in Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT

The mental foramen (MF) guides the mental nerve which is responsible for the sensible innervation of themandibular area. It is important to know the anatomical variations of the MF for locational blockage of theincisor nerve in periapical surgeries involving molars and premolars, and in other buccomaxillofacial surgicalprocedures as well. This study aims to analyze variations in the MF site in dry mandibles of adult subjects inSouthern Brazil. Eighty mandibles were analyzed, and the measurements of the distance from the sagittalmidline to the center of the MF (MLF); the distance from the lower rim of the mandible to the center ofthe MF (LRF); the location of the MF relative to its alignment with the mandible teeth, and the incidenceof double mental foramens (DMF) were checked. The analyzed parameters were related to each mandible’slaterality. Statistical analysis was carried out through Student’s t test. Results indicate that the prevalentposition of the MF in the right and left sides was posterior to the first premolar. There was no significantdifference between the right and left sides regarding MLF, and LRF showed a significant difference betweensides, greater on the right side. There was a prevalence of the DMF on the right side of the mandibles. Theseresults are important for the preparation and conduction of surgical procedures in order to prevent injury tothe involved neurovascular structures.