A morphometric analysis on location of mandibular foramen of south Indian population

The aim of the study is to locate the mandibular foramen, from various anatomical landmarks in 35 adult dry human mandibles of 70 sides. The mandible with permanent dentitions of unknown sex from a south Indian population was chosen for the study. The distances were measured by using Digital Vernier Caliper and were statistically analyzed. It was found that the mean value and the standard deviation of the various distances were; from the MF to AB were 18.23 ± 1.91 on (R) and 17.8 ± 2.6 on (L) side. From MF to PB was13.49 ± 1.9 on (R) and 14.2 ± 2 on (L) side and the distance from MF to AG was been 20.6±3.3 on (R) and 21 ± 3 on (L). The distance between AB to PB were 31.2 ± 2.8 on (R) and 31.6 ± 3.37on (L). Mandibular foramen is an important landmark for the several dental approaches like inferior alveolar nerve block, as well for the mandibular osteotomies. Hence the Knowledge of the current study of location of MF ensures guidance to the maxillofacial and dental surgeons.