Assessment of the Anterior Loop of the Mandibular Canal Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Eastern India: A Record-Based Study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the presence and course of the anterior loop (AL) in an Odisha sample population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to accurately identify and analyze the length, height, and diameter of AL in male and females. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT images from 1000 patients obtained for various clinical indications were randomly selected and evaluated to determine the presence, length, height, and diameter of the AL. The various parameters were then compared based on gender, age, and the side of the mandible. The data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, independent t-test, multiple post hoc procedure, and one-way ANOVA test. RESULTS: An AL was identified in 9.7% of the cases, and its mean length ranged from 1.8 to 4.8 mm. The loop had a greater mean length and was significantly more prevalent in males. The diameter ranged from 1 to 4 mm and height ranged from 7.8 to 15.1 mm. The AL was most commonly found in the middle-aged patients (39–48 years) which attributed to around 27.83%. CONCLUSION: In this study, a lower prevalence of the AL of the mandibular canal was found. Being an anatomical variation, an exact evaluation of the AL must be established using the imaging techniques prior to any surgical procedure.