Morphological variations of lingula and prevalence of accessory mandibular foramina in mandibles: A study

INTRODUCTION: The lingula is used for identifying the site for injection of local anesthetics and for excision of nerve in facial neuralgia. The relationship between lingula and lingual nerves may aid in risk associated with an impacted third molar. Due to its connection to nerve and vascular structures, the study of the lingula provides important information related to oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, such as the sagittal split ramus osteotomy and the intraoral vertico-sagittal ramus osteotomy carried out to correct dento facial deformities. Intra-operative complications such as hemorrhage, fracture, and nerve injury may occur if lingula is not correctly identified. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Career Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Lucknow, U. P (India) on fifty (100 sides) dry adult human mandibles to determine the different shapes of lingula. The shapes of the lingula were classified as triangular, truncated, nodular, and assimilated types. RESULTS: The most common shape found in the study was the triangular (61.6%) while the least common shape was the assimilated (11.6%). All types of lingule were more prevalent unilaterally. The prevalence of accessory mandibular foramina (AMF) was 12% on the right side and 4% on the left side of the mandible. CONCLUSION: The present study provides information regarding different shapes of lingule and incidence of AMF in the populations of Lucknow and its surrounding areas (Uttar Pradesh) North India. The findings of the present study are very helpful to oro-dental surgeons, anthropologists, and forensic practice experts.