Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Analysis of Mental and Genial Spinal Foramina in a Thai Population

Objective: To investigate frequency, anatomic location, and morphology of mental and genial spinal foramina in a group of Thai population. Materials and Methods: A total of 107 maxillofacial cone-beam computed tomography scans were collected and analyzed for frequency, anatomic location and morphology of mental and genial spinal foramina. Data were analyzed using Chi-Square test, one-way ANOVA and independent t-test. P values less than 0.05 were accepted as statistically significant. Results: The mental foramen was located at the apex of second premolar in 46% and between apices of premolars 35.8%. Round and oval mental foramina were found in 65% and 21% of patients, respectively. The superior and inferior genial spinal foramina were encountered in 80.3% and 32.7% of patients, respectively. The accessory mental foramen was identified in 6.6% of patients. The average distance from the center of mental foramen to the alveolar and basal borders of mandibular body was 11.70 ± 2.13 and 16.34 ± 3.79mm, respectively. Conclusion: This study indicates that horizontal position of mental foramen in Thai population is remarkably variable. Cone beam computerized tomography is optimal for delineating diminutive anatomical structures in the anterior mandible. High prevalence rates of superior and inferior genial spinal foramina necessitate comprehensive CBCT screening before surgery in the interforaminal region of the mandible.