Evaluation of Anatomic Variations of Anterior Loop of Inferior Alveolar Nerve according to Age, Gender and Dentition Status in Indian Population: A CBCT study

The inferior alveolar nerve frequently loops backward before exiting from the mental foramen and spreads medially to the foramen.This study aimed to use CBCT scans to evaluate the prevalence of anterior loop of inferior alveolar nerve and its variations with age, gender and dentition status.A total of 100 CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scans were selected.The DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) files were assessed in axial, crosssectional and panoramic views and anterior loop was traced using imaging software.The anterior loop was present in 48 out of 100 individuals.20-40 years age group had higher prevalence of anterior nerve looping.Males had higher prevalence of anterior nerve looping compared to females.There was no significant difference in prevalence of anterior nerve looping in dentulous and edentulous patients.