Position of the mental foramen: a comparison between Pakistani and other ethnic racial groups

ABSTRACT

One hundred and six adult mandibles [86 males and 21 females] were examined for foraminal position. In Pakistani males, the foramen lay between 1st and 2nd premolar on right side and in line with the root of 2nd premolar on left side. In females, it lay between 1st and 2nd premolars on both sides. As a whole modal position lies in line with the 2nd Premolar in Pakistani population. 6th position, a rare racial character was noted, lying in line with the root of Ist molar. The results of present study disagree with the notion that mental foramen always lies between 1st and 2nd premolars as described in anatomy text books