Localization of Mental Foramen in Relation to Primary Molars A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study

Cone Beam Computed Tomographies in a private radiology centre will be screened, Cone Beam Computed Tomography images of less than 10 years old, boys or girls were included in the study. Included Cone Beam Computed Tomography images should have either or both sides of the lower arch in the field of view, with the lower first and second primary molars with no or minimal root resorption. Images with pathologies, fractures, malformations, or abnormal location of teeth that would affect the anatomy or location of mental foramen were excluded from the study.

The vertical diameter of mental foramen was measured on the cross-sectional Cone Beam Computed Tomography images, while the horizontal diameter was measured on the axial scans. The ratio between horizontal and vertical diameters (H:V) was calculated to determine the form of mental foramen

Outcomes

1: vertical and horizontal location of mental foramen in relation to 1ry molars 2. subgroup analysis for the 1st outcome according to age, (< 6 years) vs (> 6 yrs) 3. Mental foramen form according to the Horizontal/Vertical ratio 4. If there is any relation between (location, form, vertical or horizontal dimension of mental foramen) and (Side or Gender)

Inclusion criteria

Included cone beam computed tomography images should have either or both sides of the lower arch in the field of view, with the lower first and second primary molars with no or minimal root resorption.

Exclusion criteria

Images with pathologies, fractures, malformations, or abnormal location of teeth that would affect the anatomy or location of mental foramen were excluded from the study.