RESUMO
Introduction: The mental foramen is a funnel-like opening located on the anterolateral aspect of body of themandible which marks the termination of the mental canal. The orientation and position of the mental foramenis important in performing anesthetic block prior to clinical procedures in lower-anterior teeth and also topreserve the integrity of the mental nerve trunk in surgical interventions.Materials and Methods: A total of 100 adult dry human mandibles were collected from the department ofAnatomy, Khaja Banda Nawaz institute of medical sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Khaja Banda Nawaz University,Gulbarga, Karnataka. The size, shape and position of the right and left side of the mandible were recorded in mmby direct visual inspection and digital vernier calipers.Results: The parameters which were considered in the present study were size, shape and position of the mentalforamen. In the present study the common shape encountered was oval shape, and the common position wasbelow the Apex of 2nd PM which coincides with the study by AGARWAL & GUPTA.Discussion: Agarwal & Gupta et al studied on 100 mandibles in gujarat population. Mean H.D was 3.33mm onright side and 3.25mm on left side, mean V.D was 2.15mm on right side and 2.13mm on left side. The comparativestudy of the present study and the other authors is tabulated in the tables.Conclusion: The present study enlightens and assist the maxillofacial and dental surgeons about the importanceof size, shape and position of the mental foramen for nerve block. It also has impact on the studies donepreviously like Agarwal et all and others. Hence this knowledge can be used as a tool for the dental surgeons.