Analysis of the mental foramen using cone beam computerized tomography

AbstractIntroductionKnowledge of the anatomical structures located in the region between the mental foramina is of critical importance in pre-operative planning.ObjectiveTo evaluate the position of the mental foramen relative to the apices of the teeth and the distance to the edges of the mandible, using cone beam computerized tomography.Material and methodOne hundred cone beam computerized tomographs of the mandible were evaluated; the tomographs were taken using a single tomographic device. Each image chosen was evaluated repeatedly from both sides of the mandible, the position of the mental foramen, indicating the region in which the foramen was found and the measures of the mental foramen, the lingual cortex and the mandibular base. Initially, the data were analyzed descriptively. A value of p