Radiographic Assessment of Mental Foramen Location and Morphological Variations of the Condylar Head and Sigmoid Notch in a Western Maharashtra Population: A Retrospective Study

Background: Precise knowledge of mandibular anatomical landmarks is essential in clinical dentistry and forensic science. Variations in the mental foramen location, condylar head, and sigmoid notch morphology influence surgical safety, diagnostic accuracy, and identification reliability. Aim: To assess the location of the mental foramen and morphological patterns of the condylar head and sigmoid notch in the Western Maharashtra population using orthopantomographs (OPGs). Materials and Methods: A retrospective evaluation of 100 digital OPGs (50 males, 50 females) was conducted. The horizontal and vertical location of the mental foramen was documented. Morphological shapes of the condylar head (round, angled, flat) and sigmoid notch (sloping, wide, round) were analyzed bilaterally. Data were recorded and interpreted descriptively. Results: The mental foramen was most frequently located in line with the second premolar (right: 52%, left: 50%) and vertically at the root apex (60% bilaterally). Round-shaped condylar heads predominated (right: 67%, left: 60%), while the sigmoid notch was most often sloping (right: 71%, left: 83%). Females exhibited more symmetrical and consistent anatomical features. Conclusion: Findings indicate that the most common mandibular anatomical patterns in this population align with previous regional data. These results enhance clinical planning, improve surgical outcomes, and aid forensic evaluations through region-specific anatomical profiling