Assessment of the accessory foramen on the lingual surface of the mandible to reduce hemorrhagic complication

Abstract

The accessory foramen in the mandible allows additional blood entry to the mandible as the nutrient vessels penetrate there. This study aimed to evaluate the presence and location of the accessory foramen located on the lingual surface of the mandible in Koreans and to classify the findings according to similarity. Eight-seven dry hemimandibles were evaluated for presence and distance to the nearest tooth for the accessory foramen on the lingual surface of the mandible. The distance of each foramen was measured from the inferior border of the mandible and its direction was investigated based on sagittal and transverse planes. The findings were classified into three groups according to similarity. The accessory foramen on the lingual surface of the mandible was detected in 74.7% of the samples except for the lingual foramen located at the mandibular symphysis. The location characteristics were classified into three groups: 1) interalveolar foramen placed close to the alveolar crest between the central incisor and the lateral incisor, 2) lateral lingual foramen located close to the inferior border of the mandible in the premolar region, and 3) the nonspecific accessory foramen in the molar region. The lateral lingual foramen located frequently in the premolar region requires particular attention as it could be overlooked due to the mental foramen. The results on the accessory foramen might help reduce hemorrhagic complications during surgical procedure in the interforaminal region.