anatomical study of an accessory mandibular foramina on the inner mandibular surface and their clinical significance

ABSTRACT

Most of the common text books of anatomy, including those of dental anatomy, do not give any reference to the forarnina present on the lingual surface of the mandible. This work was planned to investigate the frequency, number, and distribution of such foramen with relation to teeth in 117 dried human mandible. Basically, three types of the foramen have been identified. The internal mental foramen located below the mylohyoid line corresponding with the mental foramen outside. This foramen was found to be present in 74.37% mandibles. The incisive foramen situated adjacent to the alveolar margin in the incisive region. 88.04% mandibles exhibited this foramen. The superior genial spinal foramen located in the middle line above the superior genial spines. This foramen was found to be present in 99.15% mandibles. Details of these types of the foramen were discussed in the light of available literature. These forarnina may provide passage to the sensory fibres responsible for the collateral innervation to the adjacent teeth and thereby incomplete anaethesia in dental block. Also, a large branch from the sublingual or incisive artery passing through it may pose a danger for haemorrhage during dental surgery. Hence, the clinical importance of the foramen can not be ignored