Bilateral mental foramen agenesis: a case report
摘要
The mental foramen (MF) is an essential anatomical landmark on the anterior surface of the mandible, marking the exit point of the mental nerve and associated vessels. Accurate localization of the MF is crucial for surgical safety, particularly in procedures such as dental implant placement. Although variations in MF morphology and location are common, complete bilateral agenesis is extremely rare. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides superior imaging capabilities for the evaluation of MF anomalies. This report presents a rare case of bilateral MF agenesis detected incidentally on CBCT in a 13-year-old male patient, emphasizing the importance of three-dimensional imaging in clinical diagnosis and treatment planning.