Research Information System
Case Reports in Dentistry, pp.1-4, 2021 (ESCI)
Aim. Accessory mental foramen (AMF) is a not common anatomical variation. During the surgical procedures involving the
mandible such as implant surgery, periapical surgery, jaw surgeries, and periapical surgery and enucleation of pathologies
at the mental region, obvious attention should be given to prevent postoperative sequelae. Case Report.
Orthopantomograph (OPG) is routinely taken to visualize the maxillofacial region at a dental clinic. OPG shows exactly
upper and lower jaw and teeth but superficially reveals some pathology or anatomic variation. It misses sometimes an
anatomic landmark such as AMF. As the surgery is planned to a maxillofacial region, a detailed knowledge should be
known before going into surgery to not interfere with anatomic landmarks. A 52-year-old male patient was referred to
Kütahya Health Science University Dental Hospital, Turkey, to rehabilitate his bilateral partial edentulous lower jaw region.
Implant surgery was planned in our patient. OPG was taken to evaluate the maxillofacial region but was unremarkable.
Before the implant surgery, CBCT was obtained from our patient. CBCT and a three-dimensional reconstructed model of
the male patient showed bilateral accessory mental foramen (AMF). Conclusion. Accessory mental foramen (AMF) carries
additional innervation to the chin, mandibular anterior gingiva, and mental region. Reflection and protection of the AMF
during the surgery can prevent hemorrhage and neurosensory disturbance at the mental region and can improve quality of
life for the patient. CBCT has higher precision but also a higher price and radiation dose. Although anatomical variations
are uncommon, they can be found on digital panoramic radiographs but in limited percentage.