Efficacy and evaluation of cone beam computed tomography in determining the prevalence and length of anterior loop of inferior alveolar nerve in North Indian population

Abstract

Introduction: The section of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in front of the mental foramen and just before its ramification to the incisive nerve is known as anterior loop (AL) of IAN. Surgeries in the area of the anterior mandible may violate the AL resulting in neurosensory disturbances. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a new imaging modality that provides a multidimensional view of the facial skeleton. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of CBCT in measuring the anterior looping of IAN. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of AL of IAN using CBCT, and to determine AL length using CBCT. Materials and Methods: Out of the total 1075 reported patients, 193 study participants fulfilling the inclusion criteria constituted the sample size were assessed for estimating the prevalence and determining the length of AL of IAN. They were scanned with a suitable digital imaging system for a variety of clinical indications using appropriate Dental Imaging Software. Results: The prevalence of anterior looping was found to be 37.3% and was highest (43.5%) in the age group of 36–56 years and was found to be statistically significant. The mean length of anterior looping was found to be 3.661 mm (SD ± 1.9933) with a maximum loop length of 8.8 mm. Conclusion: CBCT provides an accurate means to determine the anterior looping of IAN, measures its length, and thereby, helps in preoperative surgical planning.