A Novel Method for Observation of the Mandibular Foramen: Application to a Better Understanding of Dental Anatomy

Introduction: Cone-beam computed tomography gives us much useful morphological information about the mandibular bone. Many studies of the mandible include findings from this technique. However, there have been no endoscopic studies of the mandible. Materials and Methods: Sixteen sides of eight dry mandibles resected from cadavers (age range 38-83 years) were examined by endoscopy. The head of the endoscope was 2.0 mm in diameter. We examined the mandibular foramen, lingula, mylohyoid groove and mandibular canal. Results: The mylohyoid grooves showed variations such as double grooves and canals. The mandibular lingula was located superior or medial to the the mandibular foramen. In a single case, the medial wall inside the mandibular canal showed a porous surface. The retromolar canal was observed in three sides. Discussion and Conclusions: None of the images in the present study have been seen in other studies. Observation of the retromolar canal from the mandibular canal in particular can help dental students as well as oral and maxillofacial surgeons to understand its morphology. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.