Evaluation of prevalence and length of the anterior loop of mental nerve using cone beam computed tomography

INTRODUCTION: The anterior loop is defined as where the mental neurovascular bundle passes inferior and in front of the mental foramen then turns back to exit the mental foramen. This anatomical feature is crucial in evaluating the best location of dental implants in the mandibular premolar area. Also, the mental foramen is a significant landmark. Knowing where it is essential to block the mental nerve's anesthesia or to prevent nerve damage when performing surgery on the premolar region of the mandible. CBCT allows for better observation of key anatomical features, such as their location, exact delineation, and relationships to other nearby structures. Therefore, CBCT should be suggested when the clinician determines that more anatomical information is necessary such as differentiating the AnL of the mental nerve AIM: Our study was conducted in order to assess the vertical and horizontal location of mental foramen, the visibility, length and types of anterior loop on CBCT in dentate and edentate patients of various age groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated 260 mandibular CBCT scans for the location of mental foramen, anterior loop prevalence, length and types. The effect of age, gender, side of the mandible and dental state of subjects on these variables was also analyzed. RESULTS: There were found to be 7.7%, 20.8%, and 71.5% total frequencies of type 1, type 2, and type 3 respectively. The mean length of AL was 2.75 mm with minimal and maximal length of 0.6mm and 6.7mm. Significant differences were observed in prevalence between age and dental state groups. Significant differences were observed in length between gender, age and dental state groups. A relation was observed between vertical position of mental foramen and prevalence and length of anterior loop. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that there is a significant likelihood of AnL in instances, and that AnL length should be assessed before to maxillofacial surgical treatments. Keywords: Mental foramen, metnal nerve, anterior loop, CBCT, implant