Summary:
Purpose: to determine the size and position of the mental foramina on panoramic radiographs. Factors affecting the radiographic position were also determined.
•N= Panoramic radiographs were exposed on 75 dry mandibles.
Materials/Methods:
– 2 SS markers were used.
1.Each mandible was placed on the chin rest of the machine with the occlusal plane parallel to the floor. A rubber band over the bite fork held the mandible in the proper position.
2.Two radiographs were exposed for each mandible, with and without the wire markers .
Most highlighted Results:
-Both the left and right mental foramen were seen on all 75 panoramic radiographs.
-Size: The mental foramen on panographic radiographs was slightly larger than reported on periapical radiographs.
– H= 2.9, V= 2.5, no significant difference in size on the left or right side.
Clinical significance:
• Visualization of the mental foramen is increased when a panoramic radiograph is available for examination, magnification of the mandibles on the radiographs may account for the improved visualization of the foramina.