title: Accessory mental foramen: A rare anatomical variation detected by cone-beam computed tomography.
abstract: The mental foramen is a bilateral opening in the vestibular portion of the mandible through which nerve endings, such as the mental nerve, emerge. In general, the mental foramen is located between the lower premolars. This region is a common area for the placement of dental implants. It is very important to identify anatomical variations in presurgical imaging exams since damage to neurovascular bundles may have a direct influence on treatment success. In the hemimandible, the mental foramen normally appears as a single structure, but there are some rare reports on the presence and number of anatomical variations; these variations may include accessory foramina. The present report describes the presence of accessory mental foramina in the right mandible, as detected by cone-beam computed tomography before dental implant placement.
authors: Department of Oral Radiology, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
authors: Marianna Guanaes Gomes
authors: MG
authors: Torres
authors: Department of Oral Radiology, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
authors: Ludmila de Faro
authors: Lde F
authors: Valverde
authors: Department of Oral Radiology, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
authors: Manuela Torres Andion
authors: MT
authors: Vidal
authors: Department of Oral Radiology, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
authors: Iêda Margarida
authors: IM
authors: Crusoé-Rebello
keywords: Anatomic Variation; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Mandible