Purpose:
- The purpose of this investigation was to prove or disprove via a cadaver study the existence of the mental nerve loop and to describe its prevalence and dimensions.
Materials/Methods:
- 24 cadavers- 48 mental foramen was examined radiographically by 3 dentists independently.
Results:
- Based on this study a dentist performing the surgical phase of implant reconstruction can feel confident that no damage to the mental nerve will result if the posterior portion of the implant is placed 1 mm anterior to the anterior border of the foramina.
- Because radiographic determination of the mental foramina is quite challenging it is recommended that the mandibular neurovascular bundle be identified in vivo during implant placement.
Clinical Significance:
Mental nerve location in relation to the mental foramen.