Prevalence of accessory mental foramen and lateral lingual foramen using cone beam computed tomography: A single-center cross-sectional study

This study aimed to assess the prevalence, dimensions, and positions of accessory mental foramen (AMF) and lateral lingual foramen (LLF) in an Iranian population using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

In this cross-sectional study, CBCT images of 2082 patients were retrospectively reviewed based on inclusion criteria, including images from the mandibular region taken in the past five years with accurate demographic data. Exclusion criteria included images with significant pathologies, fractures, or poor quality. CBCT images were captured, and AMF and LLF presence (primary outcome variable), dimensions, and positions (secondary outcome variables) were recorded relative to the mental foramen and adjacent teeth. Data analysis was performed using the Chi-square test with a 5% significance level.

A total of 2082 CBCT samples (46.54% females and 53.46% males) with a mean age of 48.30 ± 12.70 years were examined. Among these, 246 AMFs were observed in 222 individuals with a prevalence at the foramen level of 11.815%, with 24 having two AMFs. AMF was mostly observed unilaterally, with bilateral occurrence noted in 10.81% of patients with AMF. Additionally, 86 patients were found to have LLF with a prevalence at the foramen level of 5.907%. There were no significant differences between genders in AMF and LLF prevalence.

AMF and LLF were detectable using CBCT in the selected Iranian population. AMF was commonly situated posterior and superior to the mental foramen, while LLF was often found near the first premolar. This knowledge is crucial for preventing nerve injury during surgery and ensuring effective nerve block procedures.