Authors : Urvi H Dave, Sunita Gupta, Rajesh Astik
DOI : 10.18231/2394-2126.2019.0020
Volume : 6
Issue : 1
Year : 2019
Page No : 81-84
Introduction: During lower jaw surgeries, mental nerve block is given at mental foramen level. However, mental foramen is prone for variations in its location and number, which could lead to iatrogenic injuries to neurovascular structures in this region.
Aim and Objective: The aim of this study is to provide precise information of variations of site and number of mental foramen for helping dental surgeons to avoid injuries to mental nerve and vessels. Hence, the objective of the study is to analyze changes in site and number of mental foramen in the form of accessory foramina osteologically in Gujarat’s population.
Materials and Methods: Three hundred dry mandibles of unknown sexes, and bearing all teeth or intact alveolar margin were included in the study. In 37.33% of mandibular sides, mental foramens were found between 2nd premolar and the 1st molar teeth. Numerical variations in the form of accessory foramina were found in 16.66% mandibles, more on the left side, showing statistically significant difference in laterality distribution.
Conclusion: Iatrogenic injuries of mental neurovascular structures could better be avoided with precise idea of variations in site and numbers of mental foramen, which may ease the work of dental surgeon.
Keywords: Dry mandibles, Mental foramen, Anaesthesia, Anatomical variation.