The direction and location of mental foramen and incidence of accessory mental foramen in south Indian mandibles.

One hundred and forty two south Indian mandibles of unknown sex were examined for the variations of the location and direction of the mental foramen. Accessory mental foramen were also looked for. The findings have been compared with those of other studies in the literature. Topography of the mental foramen is of practical importance to the dental and maxillo-facial surgeon for purpose of anesthesia and surgical procedures.