Assessment of Anterior Loop of Inferior Alveolar Nerve at the Mental Foramen: A CBCT study

PURPOSE: Sufficient area in the interforaminal region is required for dental implant placement, anterior mandibular surgeries and the anterior loop of the IAN is located within the limits of this area. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess the prevalence and extent of Anterior Loop of Inferior Alveolar Nerve at the Mental Foramen by using CBCT. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence & variations in length of anterior loop of the inferior alveolar nerve and to make clinical applications in anterior mandibular surgeries by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT images from 127 patients (254 hemimandibles) obtained for various clinical indications were randomly selected and evaluated to determine the presence and length of the anterior loop. The length of the anterior loop was then compared based on gender, side and age of the mandible. The data were analyzed using the Pearson chi-square test and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: An anterior loop was identified in 55.9% of the cases, and its length ranged from 0.25 mm to 3.25 mm (mean - 1.00±0.79mm). The loop had a greater mean length and was significantly more prevalent in females (p=0.02). Significant differences were found among different age groups (p =