Anterior Loop of the Inferior Alveolar Canal: A Cone-Beam Computerized Tomography Study of 494 Cases
The aim of this study was to use cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) images of patients to assess the prevalence of different types, especially anterior loop, of the mental portion of the inferior alveolar canal and to evaluate the anterior loop lengths. CBCT images of 494 patients providing inclusion criteria were examined by 2 oral radiologists. Sagittal, axial, and multiplanar reformatted images were used to detect the type of mental portion of the inferior alveolar canal. The anterior loop length was measured in the respective sections of each CBCT image. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v. 15, and t tests were used for statistical analysis. Of the 494 patients, 217 anterior loops were detected in 141 (28.5%) patients. The mean anterior loop lengths for the right side and the left side were 2.19 ± 1 mm and 2.08 ± 0.89 mm, respectively. The difference between males and females in the mean anterior loop length was statistically significant for both sides (Right: P < .05; Left: P < .05). A presurgical CBCT image examination is necessary prior to implant insertion to reveal the presence of anterior loop and to detect actual anterior loop length.

Cone-beam computerized tomography images of different patients show the straight (a), vertical (b), and anterior loop (c) types of the inferior alveolar canal. Mental portion was indicated between the arrows.

Cone-beam computerized tomography image of patient shows the anterior loop with 4.04 mm. Anterior loop length is the distance between the anterior borders of the inferior alveolar canal curve (1) and the mental foramen (2).

Cone-beam computerized tomography images of different patients reveal following anterior loop lengths:
(a) 2.5 mm, (b) 4.8 mm, (c) 6 mm. The most anterior borders of the inferior alveolar canal curve (1) and the mental foramen (2) are indicated.
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