Evidence map›Paper›PMID 38957815›Full record

ArticleCureus2024

Evaluating the Anterior Loop of the Mental Nerve Using Cone Beam CT Scans in the Jordanian Population.

Ahmed Al Dalalah, Nadeem Kana'an, Ala' Ersheidat, Moath Momani, Huthaifa Altantawi

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Article in Cureus, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

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2citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Ahmed Al DalalahDepartment of Restorative Dentistry, Royal Medical Services, Amman, JOR.
Nadeem Kana'anDepartment of Prosthodontics, Royal Medical Services, Amman, JOR.
Ala' ErsheidatDepartment of Periodontics, Royal Medical Services, Amman, JOR.
Moath MomaniDepartment of Prosthodontics, Royal Medical Services, Amman, JOR.
Huthaifa AltantawiDepartment of Prosthodontics, Royal Medical Services, Amman, JOR.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionKnowledge of anatomical landmarks is crucial for effective dental treatments, especially in surgical procedures. The mental nerve (MN), a branch of the inferior alveolar nerve, features a critical landmark known as the anterior loop (AL), often overlooked by surgeons. This study aims to assess the occurrence of the MN AL, its type, and its length within a sample of the Jordanian population by utilizing cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans.

methodsThis retrospective observational study included the acquisition of CBCT images from a total of randomly selected 268 patients who sought treatment for a range of dental conditions (such as tooth extraction, orthodontic therapy, and dental implants) at hospitals affiliated with the Jordanian Royal Medical Services. Reformatted images were utilized to detect the AL type, length, and the association between the nerve type and mental foramen (MF) position.

resultsThis study involved 268 patients. The distribution of MF positions and the characteristics of the inferior dental nerve were evaluated, with no significant gender differences observed. The predominant location for the MF in both males and females in both sides was position IV, with 52% of females and 56-59% (left-right sides) of males presenting this trait. The inferior dental nerve types also showed no significant gender variation, with 42-43% (left-right sides) of females having type III and a similar distribution among males. Measurements of the midline-mental foramen and inter-foramen distances revealed slight variations between genders, with significant differences noted in the right AL length for type III nerves, favoring males (p=0.034). A notable correlation was found between the type of inferior dental nerve and the MF position, particularly with type I nerves predominantly associating with position IV mental foramina (p≤0.004).

conclusionCBCT scans are essential in the precise evaluation of the AL, aiding in the prevention of nerve injuries during dental procedures. Our results highlight the diversity of the AL in the Jordanian population and the importance of individualized treatment plans. Future research with larger cohorts is advised to refine these insights, aiming to improve treatment outcomes and patient care.

Indexed as

anterior loopcone beam computed tomographydental landmarksmental foramen (mf)mental nerve (mn)

Identifiers

PMID38957815
PMCPMC11218431

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