Cone- beam computed tomography study of morphologic and morphometric characteristics of mental foramen in an Eastern Indian population

Background & Objectives: In light of imaging evidence on the differences in several characteristics of anatomical foramina in the mandible, the current study evaluates the morphologic and morphometric characteristics of Mental foramen (MF) by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in an Eastern Indian population as well as the effect(s) of age and gender on the same. Material and Methods: CBCT images of 200 adult individuals aged 18-60 years were examined for the position, opening angle, dimensions of MF; vertical distance from the superior border of the foramen to alveolar crest and inferior border to base of the mandible; and the prevalence of the accessory mental foramen (AMF). The characteristics of MF and AMF were compared across the gender and age groups at p < 0.05 level of significance.Results: The MF was positioned in between the roots of premolars in 48.0% and 44.0% of males and females, respectively. In a higher proportion of females (98.0%, p = 0.006), the vertical position of MF on the left-side was below the root apex. The vertical (3.64 millimeter; p < 0.001) and horizontal (3.64 millimeter; p < 0.001) diameters of MF and occurrence of AMF (16.0%, p = 0.046) on the left-side were higher in males. The opening angle of MF (right-side: 24.13 degrees, p = 0.001; left-side: 24.21 degrees, p < 0.001) was higher in females. Conclusion: Significant variations in certain parameters of the MF across gender were revealed with marked prevalence of AMF that may be of value in forensic investigation.