Study of mental foramen in dry human mandibles of adult and its significance

Mandible also known as the largest and inferior, primary facial bone of the face giving a curved shape to it. It changes its shape and gives variations to the bony structure of the face from birth till older age. Mental foramen is known as the vintage of the mandible and is an important mark of the face for carrying out many diagnostics and surgical processes along with aesthetic procedures of the face. Thus, the present study is designed with an aim to get insight knowledge of position and shape of mental foramen in dry adult human mandible. The present study was designed as a comparative and descriptive study conducted in the Department of Anatomy at Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital. Total 70 bones were included in the study for consideration. Unknown mandibles with intact alveolar sockets removed from cadavers and unknown mandibles from storage room of dry adult mandibles were obtained in 2 years. The position of mental foramen was studied using an instrument known as digital Vernier Calliper (in mm) while shape was analysed visually. Position of mental foramen was calculated using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software.