Abstract
Objectives: To investigate so-called lingual foramina (LF), which is important for surgery in the anterior portion of the mandible, using various imaging modalities.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-one consecutive patients who underwent intraoral radiography or intraoral source panoramic radiography and multi detector computed tomography (MDCT) or cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the anterior portion of the mandible for various diseases were examined for the presence, number, location, direction, distance of LF to the alveolar crest, and depth of LF.
Results: LF was detected in only MDCT or CBCT. The numbers of LF were 1(8 out of 21, 38%), 2(8 out of 21, 38%), 3 (3 out of 21, 14%) and 4 (2 out of 21, 10%). The horizontal locations were in the midline (66%) , right side (17%), and left side (17%). The vertical directions were upwards (42%) , downwards (32%) , and horizontal (27%), respectively. The most common distance to the alveolar crest was“between 20 mm and 25 mm,” whereas the most common depth was“2 mm to 3 mm.”
Conclusions: MDCT or CBCT may be needed to detect LF. In particular, CBCT is recommended from the viewpoint of radiation exposure to patients. Our study suggested that the numbers of LF tend to be larger than previously reported, and so operators should interpret CT images in detail.
