The assessment of accessory mental foramina using cone-beam computed tomography

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study is to assess accessory mental foramina (AMFs) in a Turkish population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and methods: The CBCT records of 315 patients (196 males and 119 females) were retrospectively analyzed. The differences in AMF incidence by sex, age, side, and location were evaluated using chi-square tests. The distances between the AMF and the mental foramen (MF) and between the AMF and the mandibular canal were measured. Additionally, the relationship between MF size and the presence and absence of the AMF was investigated. Results: AMFs were observed in 6.3% of the patients. We found no significant difference between the appearance of AMF and sex (χ2=1.45, P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the vertical size of MF between individuals with and without AMFs (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Our results show a frequency similar to that found in a previous study of AMFs using CBCT in a Turkish population. © Tübi̇tak.