Radiographic Evaluation of location and shape of mental foramen in selective Iranian Population

Mental foramen is one of normal anatomic landmarks of mandible witch is positioned bilaterally. Radiologic position of this landmark was studied in most of populations but so far, there is no precise study in Iranian population. The aim of this study was radiographic evaluation of location and shape of mental foramen in a selective Iranian population. This descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 190 panoramic radiographs of patients referring to radiology department of Tabriz dental school for diagnostic purposes, Obtained radiographs were evaluated by two trained radiology specialist in the following manner: Location of mental foramen in relationship with long axis of mandibular teeth on both sides, location of mental foramen in relationship with posterior border of ramus and midline, the vertical position of mental foramen in relationship with lower border of mandible and alveolar crest, assessment of bilateral symmetry and determination of shape of foramen on both sides. The most common location of mental foramen was between first and second premolar of mandible on both sides. The most common shape of foramen on both sides was round and foramens on both sides in 83.68% were symmetric. Significant differences were between our study and other studies in regard to position and shape of mental foramen and the most important justification for these differences is the issue of race differences.