The Prevalence and Anatomical Characteristics of Accessory Mental Foramen in Qassim Population, Saudi Arabia – A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study

Abstract

Objective: To establish the prevalence, anatomy, and demographic correlates of AMF in a Saudi sub-population in the Qassim region using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).

Study Design: Cross-sectional retrospective study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, College of Dentistry, Qassim University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from August 2025 to October 2025.

Methods: 415 CBCT scans were used to evaluate the frequency, laterality and location of AMFs in relation to mental foramen. SPSS version 2.0 was used for statistical evaluation of correlations with gender and side of
occurrence.

Results: AMF was found in 3.4% of the population under study. The diversity was mainly on the left side (78.6%),located superior to the mental foramen (35.7%). Majority (85.7%) cases had one accessory foramen. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of gender or age as per AMF characteristics.

Conclusion: Even a low prevalence of AMFs has significant implications for dental implants in the mandibular premolar region, emphasizing the essential role of preoperative CBCT to ensure safe and precise implant placement.