Patterns of mental foramen and anterior loop in patients attending Qassim University: A cone beam computed tomography-based cross-sectional study

Background: The mental foramen (MF) is a crucial anatomical landmark in the lower jaw, providing a passage for nerves and blood vessels. Variations in its location, shape, and size can impact dental procedures and surgical outcomes, with global variations affecting approximately 60% of the population. Understanding these variations is essential to reduce surgical risks and improve patient outcomes in dental practices. Objective: The study aimed to identify the pattern of MF and anterior loop (AL) in patients attending Qassim University, using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to assess its prevalence, classification, and distance from the mandibular border. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the College of Dentistry, Qassim University, with 371 participants selected by simple random method. Data collection involved CBCT scans evaluated independently by a radiologist and a maxillofacial surgeon, with inter-examiner agreement ensured through calibration. Statistical analysis used SPSS® software version 21, with Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests for significance, and the Kappa test for inter-observer bias. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional ethics committee. Results: The study involved 340 participants, with 68.8% males and 31.2% females. The most prevalent right-side classification was Type I (52.6%), followed by Type II (31.8%) and Type III (15.6%). The left side showed a similar distribution with Type I at 48.8%, Type II at 31.5%, and Type III at 19.7%. Most MF were directed upward (93.8% on the right side and 93.5% on the left side). The most common pattern for the MF was the straight pattern (67.5%), with the AL (18.8%) and perpendicular patterns (13.7%) being less common. Conclusion: The study found significant variations in MF patterns, the most common being the straight pattern. Although there was no significant association between gender and classification, a significant association was observed between bilateral occurrence and left-side classification.