Assessment of The Prevalence And Length of The Anterior Loop of The Mental Nerve Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background

The anterior loop (AL) of the mental nerve is an important anatomical variation in the inter-foraminal region of the mandible. Accurate assessment of its presence, morphology and extent is essential during implant placement and other surgical procedures to minimize the risk of neurosensory complications. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides three-dimensional visualization of mandibular neurovascular structures, enabling precise preoperative assessment.

Materials and methods

A retrospective cross-sectional radiographic study was conducted using 200 CBCT scans to evaluate the presence of the anterior loop of the mental nerve.  The presence of the anterior loop was assessed in all scans. Statistical comparisons of anterior loop length were carried out in 71 males and 77 females. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24. Non-parametric tests were used for comparison of anterior loop length measurements between sides and genders, while the association between gender and anterior loop presence was assessed. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Results

Among the 200 CBCT scans evaluated, the anterior loop was identified in 153 subjects, resulting in an overall prevalence of 76.5%. The prevalence was 78.8% in males and 75.8% in females, with no significant association between gender and anterior loop presence (p>0.05). Among subjects with an identifiable anterior loop, the median loop length ranged from 3.4 to 3.7 mm. No statistically significant differences in anterior loop length were observed between the right and left sides or between males and females (p>0.05).

Conclusion

The anterior loop of the mental nerve was present in more than three-fourths of the study population. Although its prevalence was high, anterior loop length did not differ significantly according to gender or side. These findings reinforce the importance of routine CBCT evaluation before implant placement and surgical procedures in the inter-foraminal region.