A study of the morphology of retromolar, mandibular, and accessory mandibular foramen in dry mandibles belonging to the Southern part of Karnataka state and their clinical significance

Background: Variations in osteological features are not uncommon; the mandible bone is one such paramount component of the facial skeleton fostering lower dentures, blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and ligaments for their structural and functional stability possessing numerous osteological features which tend to show variations in its anatomical presentations. Aim and Objectives: To study the morphology of retromolar, mandibular, and accessory mandibular foramen in dry mandibles belonging to the Southern part of Karnataka state and their clinical significance. Material and Methods: One hundred and twelve mandibles of either sex were used to study the retromolar region, accessory mandibular foramen along with the pattern of the mandibular canal. Morphometric measurements of these bony features were taken by using a digital caliper. Measurements of the exact anatomical location of the abovementioned bony features were subjected to statistical analysis and results were expressed (millimeters) in terms of percentage, and mean +/- standard deviation. Results: Retromolar foramen was found in 25%; their bilateral and unilateral existence were found at 4.5% and 20.5% respectively. Accessory mandibular foramen was found in 30.4% of specimens. It was located in posterior and posterosuperior relation with mandibular foramen opening in 4.5% and 8% of specimens respectively. The unusual bifurcation of mandibular foramen was found in 3% of specimens. Conclusion: The occurrence of uncommon features like retromolar foramen, accessory mandibular foramen, and split mandibular foramen and their occupancy with aberrant neurovascular channels and their relations with other bony features play an important role in several dental surgical and oromaxillary procedures including prosthetic rehabilitation.