Radiographical Evaluation of Anterior Mental Loop Presence, Position and Length in Iraqi Sample using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Background Anterior mental loop represent the terminal portion of inferior alveolar nerve when directed outward, upward and backward to open at mental foramen. This study aims to detect the presence of anterior mental loop, measuring its length, position and assess the prevalence in Iraqi sample using CBCT and to demonstrate the importance and accuracy of CBCT. Materials and Method in this retrospective study one hundred fifty CBCT images retrieved from patients archives in Baghdad dental center/ Iraq. About 300 mandibular nerves and mental foramen evaluated of 75 male and 75 female. Anterior mental loop detected, length measured and position in relation to buccal, lingual, superior and inferior cortical bones was evaluated. All measurements done by CBCT program software then data analyzed. Results the prevalence of anterior mental loop was (48.6 %) present in 73 CBCT images (44 male and 29 female) with no significant difference. Unilateral cases (45 case) was more than bilateral cases (28 case) but the difference was statistically non significant. There was extremely high significant difference in anterior loop length in relation to gender (longer in male), and high significant difference in anterior loop position (distance between anterior loop and lingual cortical bone) in relation to other bony surfaces. Conclusion pain, parasthesia and discomfort associated with surgical procedures involving the interforaminal region of mandible occur due to accidental injury to anterior mental loop. so a precise evaluation of anatomical structures in the interforaminal region especially the anterior loop is highly recommended to prevent damage to the neurovascular bundle during implant placemnt, treatment of fracture mandibule, osteotomy and genioplasty.