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Prevalence and location of accessory foramina in the human mandible

Abstract:

Objective This study aimed to radiographically assess the prevalence and location of accessory foramina in the human mandible using helical computed tomography (CT) images and three-dimensional reconstructions. Methods Helical CT images from 24 males and 22 females aged 66-88 years (mean age: 73.7 ± 5.3 years) were observed. Each image was assessed in the three anatomical planes, and three-dimensional reconstructions were performed with Amira 5.6 software. Results All subjects (n = 46) presented at least one accessory foramina. A lingual foramen was the most frequently observed foramen and present in 96 % (n = 44) of subjects. Mandibular anterior nutrient canals were clearly observed in 72 % (n = 33) of subjects (71 %, n = 17, of males; 73 %, n = 16, of females). A retromolar foramen was present in 17 % (n = 8) of subjects (21 %, n = 5, of males; 14 %, n = 3, of females). A double mental foramen (DMF) was present in only one subject (2 %). Fifty percent (n = 23) of subjects presented one or more inferior retromental foramen (IRF). No significant correlations were observed between prevalences of accessory foramina and sex. Conclusions The lingual foramen can be considered a constant finding, and mandibular anterior nutrient canal foramina and IRF were present in the majority of subjects. Retromolar foramina and DMF were less common but can be associated with anesthetic failures and oral surgery complications. Three-dimensional reconstructions provided better understanding of the locations of foramina and their interrelations with the anatomy of the jaw.