The Importance of the Mental Foramen Location Detection by Using Different Radiographic Technique: Mini Review

Abstract

This review gives detail information about the mental foramen location, shape, size and numbers and its variation between races. Studies have shown that there are variations in the position of mental foramen in different populations. It may lie between the apices of premolars, below the apex of first or second premolars. This variations mandate accurate detection of foramen during examination and treatment plan stage. Foramen detection usually done by 2 dimension radiograph, with high chances of error. Three dimension radiograph provide the operator more precise location and dimension of the foramen that decrease the chances of the mental nerve damaging during the surgery.