Anatomical description of retromolar foramina in dry human mandibles: incidence, morphometry, and topography

• Main Authors: Luiz Felipe PALMA, Leonardo Augusto LOMBARDI
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Faculdade São Leopoldo Mandic 2018-06-01
• Series: RGO: Revista Gaúcha de Odontologia
• Subjects: Anatomy; Mandible; Oral surgery
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1981-86372018000200136&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en

Objective: To carry out morphometric, topographic, incidence analysis of retromolar foramina in dry adult human mandibles, and relate the findings to Dental practice. Methods: 265 mandibles were evaluated simultaneously by two researchers. With the aid of metal wires, each retromolar foramen was classified regarding diameter. Foramina with a diameter smaller than 0.5mm were not taken into account. Results: Retromolar foramina were observed in 23.4% of cases, with a higher bilateral incidence (with distinction of both antimeres), and up to 4 of them located in the same mandible. Furthermore, most foramina had a diameter between 0.5 and 1mm. Conclusion: The retromolar foramina are clinically relevant findings and should never be underestimated by clinicians.