Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

The mental foramen is considered an important anatomical structure in the mandible. The importance come because it represents the anatomical orifice of inferior alveolar canal on both sides of the mandible. The neuro-vascular bundles exiting from the foramen have a significant role in the neurovascular supply to lower lip the skin of the chin and muscles, the related mucosa and gingiva next to the mandibular premolars. Therefore, the knowledge of the mental foramen location considers a very important for dentists to avoid damaging this vital structure during the dental practicing in this area, as in dental surgery, dental anesthesia and endodontic procedures. The aim of the study: The study to evaluate the location of the mental foramen to the mandibular premolars, based on the cone-beam tomographic and panoramic images. Materials and Method: The current study included the most previous published article for the years from 1997 till 2019, regarding the location of mental foramen in adults and elderly patients, regardless of the gender. These studies were based on either the cone-beam computed tomographic images or the panoramic radiographs for imaging the mental foramen. Result: According to the results got from these previously published articles, the statistical analyses showed that the first common location of mental foramen was under the apices of mandibular second premolar teeth in the rate of 49.99%, the second most second location of mental foramen was between the apices of the mandibular first and second premolar teeth in the rate of 42.30%. Conclusion: The mental foramen located frequently under the apices of mandibular second premolars and then between the apices of the mandibular first and second premolars. Keywords: Mental foramen, Mandible, Mental nerve, Mental artery, Inferior alveolar canal.