1 research outputs found
Local differences of the position of the mental foramen
The mental foramen has been reported to vary in position in different ethnic
groups. Repeated failures during injections and operative procedures involving
the mental foramen suggest the presence of local differences in a given population.
The aim of the present study was to investigate possible local differences of
the mental foramen in Eastern Anatolian individuals in the Turkish population.
The present investigation is based on the examination of 70 adult mandibles.
The study consisted of three measurements, to include the relations of the mental
foramen to the following: 1) the lower teeth; 2) the body of mandible; 3) the
mandibular symphysis and posterior border of the ramus of the mandible.
The most common position of the foramen was in line with the longitudinal
axis of the second premolar tooth (relation IV), at the midpoint of the mandibular
body height and at 1/3.5 of the distance from the mandibular symphysis
to the posterior border of the ramus.
Local differences of the mental foramen may occur in a population. Prior to
surgery knowledge of the most common location of the foramen peculiar to
a local population may enable effective mental block anaesthesia to be provided.
(Folia Morphol 2008; 67: 32-35)