Impact Of Ageing Process In The Positionof Mandibular Foramen – A Morphometric Study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to compare and locate the accurate anatomical position of mandibular foramen in dentate and edentate mandibles to achieve more successful inferior alveolar nerve block. Sixty human dry mandibles were collected based on the presence or absence of a complete set of teeth and their sockets as dentate and edentulous from the Department of Anatomy and were used for the present study. The mandibles with any variations were excluded from the study. The mandibles (out of 60 dry mandibles, n=30 adult and n=30 aged) for the present study were grouped as adult (dentate) and aged (edentulous). All the measurements were repeated twice by each of three individuals (totally six times) for consistency of the data, and were subjected to further analysis such as, Vertical length of ramus from condylar tubercle, Width of the ramus,  Position of the mandibular foramen and Diameter of the mandibular foramen is measured by using Vernier calliper. Our results showed a significant alteration in the position of the mandibular foramen in edentulous subjects.