Anatomical characteristics of the mandibular lingual foramina observed on limited cone-beam CT images.
OBJECTIVE
The study aimed to investigate the regional frequency and anatomical properties of mandibular lingual foramina.


METHODS
The regional frequency of the lingual foramina was investigated using limited cone-beam computed tomographic images of mandibles obtained from 190 examinations of 181 patients. The mesio-distal position of the lingual foramina was classified into 17 areas of the midline area and each tooth area. The vertical position was assessed from the positional relationship between the lingual foramina and mandibular canals. Additionally, anastomoses of the lingual canals from the lingual foramina to mandibular canals were observed on the images.


RESULTS
One hundred and fifty-four lingual foramina were observed. The highest regional frequency was recognized in the midline area followed by second premolar and canine area. Plural lingual foramina were observed only in the midline areas. No lingual foramina were observed in the superior area of the mandibular canals. Thirty-one lingual foramina showed anastomoses between the lingual canals and mandibular canals.


CONCLUSIONS
Information on the high regional frequency of lingual foramina in the second premolar area would be clinically significant to avoid life-threatening incidents because of the possible presence of an artery. It is therefore important to confirm the location of lingual foramina.
Katakami
Kaori
K
Department of Oral Radiology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama, Japan. fukami-kaori@tsurumi-u.ac.jp
Mishima
Akira
A
Kuribayashi
Ami
A
Shimoda
Shinji
S
Hamada
Yoshiki
Y
Kobayashi
Kaoru
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000718:Anatomy, Regional; D001158:Arteries / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D055815:Young Adult