title: Anatomical relationship between mental foramen, mandibular teeth and risk of nerve injury with endodontic treatment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of the present study was to evaluate the anatomical relationship between mental foramen (MF), including the incidence of the anterior loop of the inferior alveolar nerve (AL), and roots of mandibular teeth in relation to risk of nerve injury with endodontic treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, which included teeth either side of the MF, were randomly selected. The anonymised CBCT images were reconstructed and examined in coronal, axial and sagittal planes, using three-dimensional viewing software, to determine the relationship and distance between MF and adjacent mandibular teeth. The actual distance between the root apex and MF was calculated mathematically using Pythagoras' theorem. If present, the incidence of an AL in the axial plane was also recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The root apex of the mandibular second premolar (70 %), followed by the first premolar (18 %) and then the first molar (12 %), was the closest to the MF. Ninety-six percent of root apices evaluated were >3 mm from the MF. An AL was present in 88 % of the cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  With regards to endodontic treatment, the risk of nerve injury in the vicinity of the MF would appear to be low. However, the high incidence of the AL highlights the need for clinicians to be aware and careful of this important anatomical feature.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The risk of injury to the MN with endodontic treatment would appear to be low, but given the high incidence, it is important to be aware and be careful of the AL.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Turner Street, London,, E1 2AD, UK. b.s.chong@qmul.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Bun San
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Chong
authors.affiliation: Institute of Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Turner Street, London,, E1 2AD, UK.
authors.forename: Kajal
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gohil
authors.affiliation: Institute of Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Turner Street, London,, E1 2AD, UK.
authors.forename: Ravikiran
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pawar
authors.affiliation: Institute of Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Turner Street, London,, E1 2AD, UK.
authors.forename: Jimmy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Makdissi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D059925:Anatomic Landmarks; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008340:Mandibular Nerve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D012307:Risk Factors; D012390:Root Canal Therapy; D061221:Trigeminal Nerve Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control
keywords: Anatomy; Cone-beam computed tomography; Endodontics; Mandibular nerve; Trigeminal nerve injuries