Abstract

NEJAIM, Yuri et al. Comparison of distance and symmetry in the mental foramen obtained in situ and in radiographic images of Brazilians. Odontol. Clín.-Cient. (Online) [online]. 2013, vol.12, n.4, pp. 269-272. ISSN 1677-3888.

The precise location of the mental foramina is of paramount importance when using implantology to carry out oral rehabilitation procedures not affecting crucial anatomic structures. Panoramic radiography has become the imaging method of choice in many of these cases because of its lower cost and the fact that with it a general assessment of the maxillofacial complex can be made. This study set out to evaluate the distance between the mental foramina and the relationship between them and the mandibular base, and the posterior border of the mandible ramus, as well as the relationship between the bilateral mandibular foramina. The morphometric procedures were carried out by three examiners experienced in Dental Radiology, firstly on 58 human mandibles, with the aid of digital calipers and then on the respective panoramic radiographs of the mandibles, with Image J software, with and without the aid of artificial markers for delimitating the areas of interest. Using Friedman's statistical analysis, there were statistically significant differences between various measurements analyzed and compared to the gold standard, which points to the need to use more accurate imaging tests.

Keywords : Panoramic radiography; Mental foramen; Mandible..