Accessory mental foramen: A rare anatomical variation detected by cone-beam computed tomography.
- Author:
Marianna Guanaes Gomes TORRES
1
;
Ludmila DE FARO VALVERDE
;
Manuela Torres Andion VIDAL
;
Ieda Margarida CRUSOE-REBELLO
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords: Anatomic Variation; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Mandible
- MeSH: Anatomic Variation; Bicuspid; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography*; Dental Implants; Mandible; Nerve Endings
- From:Imaging Science in Dentistry 2015;45(1):61-65
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: The mental foramen is a bilateral opening in the vestibular portion of the mandible through which nerve endings, such as the mental nerve, emerge. In general, the mental foramen is located between the lower premolars. This region is a common area for the placement of dental implants. It is very important to identify anatomical variations in presurgical imaging exams since damage to neurovascular bundles may have a direct influence on treatment success. In the hemimandible, the mental foramen normally appears as a single structure, but there are some rare reports on the presence and number of anatomical variations; these variations may include accessory foramina. The present report describes the presence of accessory mental foramina in the right mandible, as detected by cone-beam computed tomography before dental implant placement.
