Vol. 6, Issue 7, Part G (2020)

Background: The mental foramen is the termination of the inferior alveolar canal through which inferior alveolar nerve continues as mental nerve that supplies the lower lip, labial mucosa, premolars and canines. It varies in position and shape with age, gender and race. Its location is important for mental nerve block, implant insertion, maxillofacial surgeries and complete denture.

Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the position, shape, and appearance of the mental foramen, when seen on panoramic radiographs of Kashmiri population.

Materials and Methods: The randomly selected 120 panoramic radiographs of Kashmiri patients were analysed for radiographic appearance and position of mental foramen.

Results: The mental foramen was located between the long axis of premolars in 48.3% on right side and 49.16% on left side of the mandible. The most common shape of the mental foramen was found to be round 58.3% on left side and 55.8% on the right side of the mandible.

Conclusion: The most common site of the mental foramen is the interpremolar space and the most common morphology is round shape.