The position of the mental foramen and the apex of mandibular second premolar evaluated by Cone-beam computed tomography

Objective:The present radiographic study aimed at assessing the location of the inferior alveolar nerve canal(IANC),mental foramen(MF) and the apex of mandibular second premolar by using limited cone-beam computed tomography(CBCT).Method:CBCT images of 83 patients(83 bilateral cases)were retrospectively screened to determine the locations of the apex of mandibular second premolar with respect to MF and IANC.Result:The mean distances from MF to alveolar crest and from MF to base of the mandible were(12.96±1.91)mm and(13.24±1.57)mm respectively.From panoramic radiographs,the mean minimum distance from the apex of mandibular second premolar to MF was(2.64±1.61)mm.If mental foramen was located below first premolar or located apically between first and second premolars,the mean distance from the apex of mandibular second premolar to IANC was(5.35 ±2.05) mm.There were statistically significant differences for gender(P 0.05),regarding the distances from MF to base of the mandible and from the apex of mandibular second premolar to IANC respectively.Conclusion:According to this study,the locations of IANC and MF are significantly correlated with that of mandibular second premolar.During the endodontic microsurgery procedures,the relationship should be given adequate attention in the mandibular second premolar region.