Location and Shape of Mental Foramen in Patients Reporting to Saidu College of Dentistry- A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Based Study

Background: The mental foramen (MF) is a critical anatomical landmark in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery due to its role in transmitting the mental nerve, which provides sensory innervation to the lower lip, chin, and adjacent structures. Precise identification of its location and morphology is essential for procedures such as implant placement, nerve block anesthesia, and surgical interventions. Objective: To determine the location, shape, and dimensional characteristics of the mental foramen using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a Pakistani population. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Radiology Department of Saidu College of Dentistry, Swat, from May to September 2024. A total of 164 CBCT scans (83 males, 81 females) were analyzed. The horizontal and vertical diameters of MF were measured, and its morphology was classified according to the horizontal-to-vertical (H:V) ratio. Horizontal and vertical positions of the MF were recorded relative to adjacent teeth and premolar apices. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, applying Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Fisher’s exact tests with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The mean horizontal and vertical diameters of MF were 2.57 ± 0.57 mm and 2.94 ± 0.83 mm, respectively, with an average H:V ratio of 0.90 ± 0.23. Significant age-related differences were observed in horizontal diameters (p < 0.001) and H:V ratio on the left side (p = 0.014). Males demonstrated significantly greater vertical diameters (p = 0.026) and H:V ratios (p < 0.001) compared to females. Type II (oval-vertical) was the least frequent MF morphology, while Type I (oval-horizontal) and Type III (round) were more common. The MF was most often located horizontally between the first and second premolars and vertically below the apices of mandibular premolars. Conclusion: CBCT imaging revealed significant variations in MF morphology based on age and gender in the Pakistani population, while positional patterns remained largely consistent. These findings highlight the importance of preoperative CBCT assessment to avoid neurosensory complications during dental and surgical procedures. Keywords: Anatomical variation, Cone-beam computed tomography, Dental implantology, Mental foramen, Pakistani population.