INCIDENCE OF ACCESSORY MENTAL FORAMEN AND ITS CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE – A REVIEW

The accessory mental foramen (AMF) is a type of mandibular variation which transmits extra neurovascular branches,
a fact with great importance in dental and surgical procedures. Its range and features do vary between populations,
which is why broad based knowledge is required to which out to avoid issues like nerve injury or anesthesia failure.
We did this review to look at the anatomical features, that is size and location of AMFs, their global prevalence, and
what clinical use they have, and how they play a role in dental practice and forensics.
A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for studies
published in the past five years. Keywords included: Accessory mental foramen (AMF), Bucal foramen, Mental
foramen, Mandible, Dental surgery. The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines.
We did a thorough search of the literature looking at AMF prevalence, morphology and clinical implications across
many populations. We looked at studies done on dry mandibles, radiographic reports and at what Cone-Beam
Computerized Tomography (CBCT) shows. Also, we put together key studies which we looked at to present
prevalence rates, types of variation in anatomy and diagnostic methods. AMF’s range from 1% to 10% worldwide,
we see higher rates in South Asian groups at 6 to 8.9% as compared to Iranian at 2 to 3% or Bosnian at 2.7%. AMFs
are small, oval and are found near the first molar or second premolar. CBCT does a better job in detecting these as
compared to panoramic x rays, also morphological studies give very precise measurements although may not see the
smaller AMFs. The presence of AMFs reports anesthetization failure, nerve injury or bleed out during dental
procedures and play a role in forensics and anthropology. AMFs are important anatomical variants that require
attention in dental and surgical planning. CBCT is the best for accurate detection. By being aware of the AMF’s
prevalence and what they look like we see better results in care and less complications. Future research should
standardize diagnostic criteria and explore demographic influences to improve clinical and forensic applications.