Dimensions of the mental canal and accessory mental foramen on CBCT images in adults aged 18 - 30 years in Hanoi DIMENSIONS OF THE MENTAL CANAL AND ACCESSORY MENTAL FORAMEN ON CBCT IMAGES IN ADULTS AGED 18-30 YEARS IN HANOI
Main Article Content
Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe the dimensions, prevalence, distribution patterns of the mental foramen, accessory mental foramen and to evaluate differences according to gender and bilateral location, as well as to determine the dimensions of the mental canal and accessory mental canal on CBCT images in adults aged 18 - 30 years in Hanoi. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 127 CBCT scans (58 males, 69 females), evaluating 254 mental foramina and 25 accessory mental foramina. The results showed no significant difference in mental foramen dimensions between the right and left sides (p > 0.05). By gender, most parameters (MCL, MFVD, MFW, DFU, DFL) were significantly larger in males than females (p < 0.01) except for the mental canal angle (p > 0.05). The prevalence of accessory mental foramen was 9.84%; its dimensions showed no side differences but were significantly greater in males (p < 0.05). The predominant direction of the accessory mental foramen opening was anterior (76%). The mental foramen showed a tendency toward bilateral symmetry within the study sample. The accessory mental foramen exhibited distinct morphological characteristics, with distribution patterns according to sex and dental arch similar to those of the mental foramen. Preoperative CBCT assessment is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning to minimize the risk of neurosensory complications in dental practice.
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Keywords
Mental foramen, accessory mental foramen, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), mental canal
References
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