Assessment of the mandibular incisive and mental canal in dentate and edentulous mandibles using cone-beam computed tomography

Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluated the prevalence, diameter and location of the mandibular incisive canal (MIC) and the transition pattern and anterior loop length (ALL) of the mental canal and compared these values between dentate and edentulous mandibles.

Methods: A total of 187 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of mandibles, namely, 100 images of dentate mandibles and 87 images of edentulous mandibles, were obtained. CBCT data related to the incisive canal and mental canal were analyzed by one examiner.

Results: The prevalence of the MIC was 75∼78 %, showing no difference based on laterality or the presence of teeth. The ALL significantly differed depending on the presence of teeth as well as sex. The presence of teeth affected the size of the MIC in the female group, and the diameter of the MIC in the edentulous group was significantly narrower than that in the dentate group. The diameter of the MIC was significantly greater in males than in females in the edentulous group. Meanwhile, the location of the MIC in the male group depended on the presence of teeth at each measuring point, and the MIC was significantly closer to the lower border of the mandible in the female group than in the male group at all measuring points except at 0 mm.

Conclusions: This study indicated that the presence of teeth significantly affects the type of transition of the mental canal, the ALL, and the diameter and location of the MIC. Additionally, sex could be a factor affecting MIC location, MIC diameter and anterior loop length.