Introduction/Aim. Knowing the precise position of the mental foramen is of great clinical importance in dentistry due to significant anatomical structures that pass through this foramen. The aim of this study was to examine the sexual dimorphism of the horizontal and vertical position of the mental foramen in relation to constant anatomical landmarks in the population of southeast Serbia using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Materials and methods. Thirty-two CBCT images of male and 34 CBCT images of female patients were used. The horizontal distance from the anterior border of the mental foramen to the skeletal middle line was measured, as well as the vertical distance from the anterior and inferior borders of the mental foramen to the tangential line, which touches the base of the mandible.
Results. Sexual dimorphism of horizontal position of the mental foramen was observed on the right side (t = 3.69; p < 0.001). When measuring the vertical position from the superior border of the foramen, sexual dimorphism was observed on both the left (t = 4.31; p < 0.001) and right side (t = 4.22; p < 0.001). Similarly, when measured from the inferior border of the foramen, sexual dimorphism was evident on both the left (t = 5.61; p < 0.001) and right side (t = 4.01; p < 0.001).
Conclusion. The observed sexual dimorphism of the mental foramen position can facilitate dental treatments and surgical interventions on the mandible in patients of different genders.

 Keywords: CBCT, mental foramen, skeletal midline, base of mandible, sexual dimorphism

 

 Corresponding author:
Antonije Stanković
e-mail: stankovicantonije@gmail.com