Radiographic evaluation of the mental foramen in a selected Iranian population.
BACKGROUND
Information on the position of the mental foramen is important for dental surgeons. Variations in its position can be a cause of complications during local anesthesia or surgical procedures. The usual position of the mental foramen in an Iranian population has not been previously reported.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the most common location of the mental foramen in an Iranian population. We also analyzed gender differences and the symmetry of location within individuals.


METHODS
400 panoramic radiographs were evaluated with regard to the location and symmetry of the mental foramina in male and female subjects.


RESULTS
We found that the mental foramen was located between the first and second premolars in 47.2% of patients and in line with the second premolar in 46%. In 49.2% of males, the mental foramen was in line with the second premolar. In 50.9% of females it was between the first and second premolars. It was symmetrical in 85.7%.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on this study it appears that the most common position of mental foramen is either between the two premolars or in line with the second premolar. This is in concordance with previous studies.
Haghanifar
Sina
S
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran. Dr_haghanifar@yahoo.com
Rokouei
Mehrak
M
D001641:Bicuspid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003724:Dental Arch / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D012737:Sex Factors