Radiographic evaluation location of the mental foramen

Purpose: The accurate location of mental foramen is important for surgery operation on mandible. The variations of its locations can be a cause of complication surgical operations such as especially implant surgery. The purpose of this study is to determine the location of mental foramen by analyzing digital panoramic radiographs of patients in Sivas. Materials and methods: In this study, 360 panoramic radiographs taken from patients were analyzed retrospectively. The different locations of mental foramen on panoramic radiographs were evaluated as symmetric and asymmetric considering gender. Additionally, the average distances of mental foramen to the alveolar ridge of the mandible and at the inferior border of the mandible were analyzed. Results: It was determined that mental foramen was located between the first and second premolars in 59.4% of patient and in line with the second premolar in 37.2%. It was found that mental foramen was between the first and second premolars in 64.6% of males and 55.1% female. It was determined that mental foramen was symmetrical in 80.28% of patient. It was determined its average distance, on the right side, at the alveolar ridge was of 16.79 mm and of the inferior border of the mandible was of 12.46 mm. It was also found that on the left side the average distance of foramen to the alveolar ridge is 16.80 mm and to the inferior border of the mandible is 12.58 mm. Conclusion: In conclusion, it was determined on panoramic radiography that mental foramen was the best location between the first and second premolars and its other locations were a few in Sivas. It was exhibited that mental foramen was bilaterally symmetrical on many of patient.