title: Characteristics of anatomical landmarks in the mandibular interforaminal region: a cone-beam computed tomography study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was conducted to assess appearance, visibility, location and course of anatomical landmarks in mandibular interforaminal region using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 96 CBCT examinations was re-evaluated to exploit anatomical landmarks. The examinations used the Promax 3D CBCT unit. A sole examiner carried out all the measurements. Visibilities of the anatomical landmarks were scored using a four-point rating scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mandibular foramen, anterior loop, incisive canal and lingual foramen were observed in 100, 84, 83, 49% of the images, respectively. The mean size, diameter and width of anterior loop, incisive canal and lingual foramen were obtained 3.54 ± 1.41, 1.47 ± 0.50 and 0.8 ± 0.09 mm, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is not safe to recommend any definite distance mesially from the mental foramen. The diameter of the canals and foramens should be determined on a case-by-case basis to exploit the appropriate location for each individual.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors.forename: Fereidoun
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Parnia
authors.forename: Elnaz
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Moslehifard
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hafezeqoran
authors.forename: Farhang
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mahboub
authors.forename: Haniye
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mojaver-Kahnamoui
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult