Mandibular Canal Course and the Position of the Mental Foramen by Panoramic X-Ray in Chilean Individuals

The object of this study was to analyse the morphology and morphometry of the mandibular canal (MC) course and the mental foramen (MF) position in relation to the inferior teeth by panoramic X-ray (PAN). Vertical linear measurements were taken of each hemimandible to obtain the length of the distances analysed. We studied the MF position in relation to inferior premolar roots and the relation between the MC and mandibular teeth roots (MCR). The MF was usually located between the apices of the first and second premolars in younger individuals and immediately below the apex of the inferior second premolar in older individuals. The MC evinced proximity to the third molar, and this relation was not affected by sex or age group. The distances analysed in this study presented a marked difference between gender, with larger values in males than in females. The variations which may occur between individuals and different populations make it essential for dentists and surgeons to plan carefully before procedures involving this region.