Role of Age, Gender and Vertical Facial Type on Anatomical Location of Mandibular Foramen in Paediatric Population: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Pain management is paramount in paediatric dental care, influencing patient cooperation and future perceptions of dental treatment. The widely used Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block (IANB) anaesthesia faces challenges in children due to anatomical variations. The position of the mandibular foramen, which evolves with age, growth patterns, and facial types, necessitates customised approaches for effective paediatric pain management. Aim: To identify the position of the mandibular foramen amongst children aged 7-14 years with respect to age, gender, and facial types. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study conducted in West Bengal, India, 126 children aged 7-14 were investigated from March 2021 to August 2022. The Orthopantomograms (OPG) and lateral cephalograms were assessed for the location of the mandibular foramen with respect to age, sex, and facial type in clear radiographs with normal growth. Statistical analysis encompassed descriptive statistics, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: A total of 126 x-rays were analysed across age, gender, and facial types, showing a mean age of 10.78 years. There were 52 (41.3%) males and 74 (58.7%) females. The distribution of subjects according to facial types was as follows: short (n=33, 26.2%), normal (n=19, 15.1%), and long (n=74, 58.7%). The vertical position of the mandibular foramen increased with age. No significant gender difference was observed regarding the vertical position of the mandibular foramen. However, a significant variation across facial types was observed, with individuals with normal faces exhibiting a greater vertical position. Conclusion: This study revealed that the vertical position of the mandibular foramen increases with age. There was no significant difference found between males and females in the location of the mandibular foramen; however, individuals with normal faces exhibited a greater vertical position of the same.