Assessment of anterior loop of mental foramen with cone beam computed tomography-An institutional based study

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a specialized imaging technology designed to create accurate 3D images of craniofacial anatomy while using significantly less radiation than traditional CT scans. This advancement allows clinicians to closely examine dental and maxillofacial structures, forensic analysis, and modern therapeutic techniques. To evaluate several anatomical variants of the anterior loop of the mental foramen using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The study involved 30 randomly selected patients aged 20-60 year from the departmental OPD, who underwent CBCT of the anterior mandibular region to assess the mental foramen. After obtaining a detailed history, a diagnosis was made and explained to the patients. Data were analyzed according to the classification by Solar et al. (1994). Type 1 mental nerve loop presence was 6.6% greater on the right side (13.3%) than on the left side (6.7%), while Type 3 mental nerve loop presence was 6.6% higher on the left side (63.3%) than on the right side (56.7%) based on a comparison of the anterior loop of the mental foramen.However, Type 2 was similar on both the right (30.0%) and the left (30.0%) sides. The anterior loop of the mental foramen is an important anatomical feature and was comparable (Type 1/Type 2/Type 3) in patients on the right and left side (p > 0.05) (χ2=0.78, p = 0.678), showing no significant difference. Understanding its anatomy and occurrence has a significant impact on therapeutic strategies.