MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE MENTAL FORAMEN IN SOUTH INDIAN POPULATION

Introduction: The mental foramen, a critical anatomical landmark on the mandible, transmits the mental nerve and
vessels, and its precise location, shape, and size are vital for dental surgical procedures, anesthesia, and forensic
applications. Variations in its morphology and the presence of accessory mental foramina can impact clinical
outcomes.
Aim & Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the morphologic and morphometric characteristics of the mental
foramen and the incidence of accessory mental foramina in dry human mandibles using stainless steel Vernier calipers.
Materials and Methods: A total of 150 adult dry human mandibles from a South Indian population were examined.
Measurements included the shape, size, and position of the mental foramen relative to the symphysis menti, posterior
border of ramus of the mandible, alveolar margin, and inferior border of body of the mandible. The presence of
accessory mental foramina was also recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to assess bilateral differences using
t-tests (p<0.05).
Results: The mental foramen was predominantly oval (77.3%) and located in line with the longitudinal axis of the
second premolar (type 4, 58.6% on right; 57.3% on left). Mean distances from the symphysis menti to the anterior
margin of the mental foramen were 25.12 ± 2.31 mm on the right side and 25.02 ± 2.24 mm on the left side; p=0.359).
The mean distance from the posterior margin of the mental foramen to the posterior border of the mandible was 62.54 ± 6.18 mm on the right side and 63.06 ± 5.23 mm on the left side; p=0.213). Vertical distances from the alveolar
margin to the upper margin of the mental foramen were 10.81 ± 2.81 mm on the right side and 10.74 ± 2.81 mm on
the left side; p=0.407), and from the lower margin to the base of the mandible were 12.48 ± 1.91 mm on the right side
and 12.50 ± 1.91 mm on the left side; p=0.451). Accessory mental foramina were observed in 10.56% of mandibles,
typically below the first molar.
Conclusion: The study confirms the predominant oval shape and second premolar alignment of the mental foramen,
with no significant bilateral differences in morphometric measurements. The incidence of accessory mental foramina
underscores the need for careful preoperative assessment. These findings enhance the anatomical knowledge base for
dental surgeons, aiding in safer surgical planning and anesthesia administration.