PREVALENCE OF RETROMOLAR FORAMEN IN HUMAN MANDIBLES AND ITS CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Retromolar foramen is found in the triangular area behind the lower last molar tooth and it allows the passage of neurovascular bundle that contribute to the nutrition and innervations of the pulp and periodontium of the lower teeth. In the present study one hundred and twenty mandibles were examined for the presence of retromolar foramen .Retromolar foramen was found in two mandibles bilaterally and in thirteen mandibles unilaterally (in 10 on the right side and in 3 on the left side). The distance between posterior third molar to the retromolar foramen was found to be an average of 9.8mm on the right side and 8.05mm on the left side. Distance between anterior border of ramus to retromolar foramen was found to be an average of 5.68mm on the right side and 5.77 on the left side. Retromolar foramen is surgically very significant. Knowledge of this anatomical variation can prevent complications in anaesthesia and surgical procedures in this area.