RADIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF MENTAL FORAMEN POSITION IN THE POPULATION OF THE DISTRICT, ALIGARH UTTAR PRADESH: A DIGITAL PANORAMIC STUDY

*Dr. Rati Goyal and Prof. Anshul Aggarwal

ABSTRACT

Background: Knowledge of the mental foramen's position is crucial for dental professionals, as variations in its location can lead to complications during local anaesthesia or surgical procedures. However, the typical position of the mental foramen in the Indian population has not been extensively documented. Aims: This study aimed to determine the most common location of the mental foramen in an Indian population, while also analysing potential gender differences and symmetry within individuals. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 panoramic radiographs were assessed to evaluate the location and symmetry of the mental foramen in both male and female subjects. Results: The mental foramen was found between the first and second premolars in 46% of patients and aligned with the second premolar in 45.2% of cases. In males, 47.2% had the mental foramen aligned with the second premolar, while in females, 49.9% had it located between the first and second premolars. Symmetry of the mental foramen was observed bilaterally in 81% of individuals. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the most common positions of the mental foramen in this population are either between the two premolars or in line with the second premolar, which aligns with previous studies.

Keywords: Mandible, mental foramen, mental nerve, panoramic radiography.