ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Reports in specialized literature present divergent opinions about what corresponds to the radiopaque areas surrounding the lingual foramen. The purpose of this study is to radiographically evaluate whether these areas correspond to the genial tubercles. METHODS: We selected 15 dry mandibles and obtained images of the lower incisors region by computed tomography (CT) and periapical radiography at vertical angles of -10 degrees, -20 degrees and -30 degrees. For periapical radiography, the genial tubercles and the lingual foramen were marked with stainless steel wire to demonstrate the relationship between them. RESULTS: The images on periapical radiographs, as well as on CT scans of the region, showed that there is no relationship between radiopaque areas around the lingual foramen and the genial tubercles. CONCLUSION: The radiopaque area surrounding the lingual foramen corresponds to the walls of a nutrient canal and not to the genial tubercles. Therefore, we recommend that the information about this anatomical landmark be reviewed in specialized literature.