Evaluation of the bone anatomy of the anterior region of the mandible using cone beam computed tomography

Abstract Background Hemorrhages, mouth floor edema and tongue elevation are complications related to surgical procedures in the anterior region of the mandible. Objective The objectives of this study were to evaluate the presence and location of the lingual foramen in the anterior region of the mandible and to evaluate mandibular morphology using cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT). Material and method The mandible’s morphology and the location, diameter and height of the lingual foramina were analyzed using the midline and the mental foramen as references, in 278 CBCT. Result 88% of the sample had a midline lingual foramen, totaling 408 foramina, with a mean diameter of 0.93 mm. Foramina in the lingual region between the midline and mental foramina were detected in 75% of the sample, with a mean diameter of 0.807 mm. There was no positive correlation between the presence of lingual foramina in the lateral or in the midline regions (r = -0.149; p = 0.013). In the midline region, the type I mandibular shape was predominant (96%), and type III was predominant in the lateral regions. Conclusion Considering the prevalence of these structures and their clinical relevance in potential surgical complications, it is important to carefully analyze the anterior region of the mandible during surgical planning