Evaluation of mandibular canal and mental foramen variations on cone-beam computed tomography images

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of mandibular canal (MC) and mental foramen (MF) variations using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: CBCT images (n = 459) were retrospectively evaluated. The final sample consisted of 362 CBCT images of 152 men and 210 women between the ages of 10–87. MC and MF variations were evaluated according to presence and localizations. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Participants had a mean age of 38.79 ± 16.45 years. Fifty-seven images (15.7%) showed MC and MF variations. Forty-seven images (13%) showed bifid MCs (BMCs), 14 (3.9%) accessory mental foramen (AMF), and only five (1.4%) trifid MCs. MF was absent in one image (0.3%). The prevalence of AMF was statistically found to be higher among younger patients (7.9%). BMCs and AMF were more common in men than in women. Images with AMF presented unilateral placement, particularly on the right side. Conclusion: Variations were more common in men, and involvement was more frequent on the right side. Early identification of high-risk patients and variations can help prevent neurosensory complications such as bleeding, traumatic neuroma, paraesthesia, and paralysis.