Localization of inferior alveolar canal and mental foramen in the mandible among implant patients: A computerized tomographic study

Purpose: Assessment of location of vital anatomic structures is required while enterprising quality dental care. In this study, an assessment of the location of inferior alveolar canal (IAC) and mental foramen (MF) in the mandible was done by using computed tomography (CT). An attempt was done to compare the variation in the location in various age groups. Materials and Methods: The mean location of the IAC and MF from the alveolar crest was done on 30 patients by using cross-sectional CT. A comparison of the mean distance in the three age groups was done by using ANOVA. Results: The mean distance of the superior border of the IAC upto the alveolar crest of the mandibular second premolar was at 12.56 on the right side and 12.65 on the left side. The mean distance of mandibular first molar was up to about 12.29 mm on the right side and 12.71 on the left side. Mandibular second molar showed the mean distance of 11.97 mm on the right side and 11.94 mm on the left side. The mean distance of the superior border of the MF upto the alveolar crest was at 11.99 mm on the right side and 12.20 mm on the left side. A comparison between the three age groups showed a statistical difference (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Assessment of vital anatomic structures for its presence and distribution is important in the preoperative planning of dental implants so as to avoid bleeding due to damage of vessels within the jaw. The mean distance of the IAC with respect to the alveolar crest was decreasing as it was moving posteriorly.