Distance of mandibular foramen from 3rd molar tooth in dry adult mandible of West Bengal population

Abstract

Adequate anaesthesia is a prerequisite in most of the maxillofacial and dental procedures related to mandible and which is achieved by inferior alveolar nerve block technique. Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and vessels passes through  mandibular foramen (MF). Therefore, distance of mandibular foramen from 3rd molar tooth is important as this is the only visible landmark in living. The aim of this study was to determine the distance of MF from 3rd molar tooth in both genders. Seventy dry adult mandible were included in this study. Mandible having 3rd molar tooth was selected for the study. Distance of MF from mid point of 3rd molar tooth to anterior margin of MF was measured with Vernier caliper. The mean distance of the MF from right and left 3rd molar tooth in male mandibles was 2.28 + 0.49cm and 2.17 + 0.47cm respectively. Mean distance of the MF from the 3rd molar on the right and and left female mandibles was 2.18 + 0.66 cm and 2.16 + 0.56 cm respectively. Anatomical knowledge gained from this study might help maxillofacial and dental surgeon in certain surgical procedure.

Key words: Mandibular foramen, 3rd molar tooth.