Anatomical analysis of lingual foramina in Brazilian individuals using cone-beam computed tomographic images

Background: This retrospective study evaluated the anatomic characteristics of lingual foramina and described their possible anatomic variations in a Brazilian sample. Material and methods: Linear measurements of the lingual foramina were carried out in the coronal and axial sections of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images from 98 Brazilian patients using the RadiAnt DICOM 2.2.9 Viewer® software. The mean age of the sample was 54.7 ± 13.89 years. The patients were classified into: completely dentate (n=17), edentulous (n=17) and partially edentulous (n=64). Results: The CBCT images revealed the presence of 216 foramina on the lingual surface in the anterior region of the mandible. Most patients (n=40; 40.8%) had 2 lingual foramina and most of them were found in the mandible symphysis region (60.6%). There was significant differences in the measurements of the lingual foramina in male and female patients in some regions (p<0.05). Important features and anatomical aspects of the mandibular bone structure were found in relation to the lingual foramina and between male and female patients. Conclusions: Dental professionals should draw attention to the need of careful planning and accurate execution of surgical procedures on the lingual surface of the anterior mandible.