Assessment of position of mental foramen, intermental foramen distance and its correlation with age and gender among pediatric patients

• Author Details:   
• Arshia Raviraj ^*
• Sameer Punathil
• Raju Sunny
• Joseph Johny
• Archana
• Jeswin James

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Background: The accurate identification of the mental foramen position plays a crucial role in diagnostic, clinical, and forensic procedures. The value of inter mental foramen distance can be used as a valuable growth indicator for treatment planning and in forensic identification.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the position of mental foramen, inter-mental foramen distance, and its correlation with age and gender between 9 to 12 years of age.

Design and Settings: Crossectional study conducted in the department of pediatric and Preventive dentistry between the age of 9-12 years.

Materials and Methods: A total of 300 panoramic radiographs taken for diagnostic and treatment purposes will be included  in our study. Mental foramen position and intermental foramen distance were assessed using NNT software. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 26.

Results: The position of mental foramen was more commonly found between the first and second premolar in both the right and left sides in both genders. There was also variation in the position of mental foramen as age advances among children between 9 to 12 years. The Intermental foramen distance was greater in females when compared to males, and increases as age advances.

Conclusion: Mental foramen position and Inter mental foramen distance varies with age and gender, which plays a crucial role in the assessment of growth patterns and also in forensic identification.

Keywords: Intermental foramen distance, Mental foramen, Panoramic radiograph.