Abstract
Background and Objectives: The mandibular foramen is a critical anatomical landmark, often considered a weak point in the ramus, with implications for osteotomy. This study aimed to determine its most common location and its relationship with the mandibular canal.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of orthopantomograms from 210 patients (105 males, 105 females; aged 18–49) was conducted. The ramus was divided into nine quadrants to map the foramen's location. Distances from the sigmoid notch and anterior border were measured. The course of the mandibular canal was classified using Tanaka et al.'s system. Right vs. left side and gender differences were also examined.
Results: The mean distance from the foramen to the sigmoid notch was 18.6 mm in males and 18.5 mm in females; to the anterior border, it was 17.8 mm in males and 17.9 mm in females. The mandibular canal most frequently followed Class 2 (right) and Class 3 (left) patterns. The most common location of the mandibular foramen was quadrant E—centrally positioned on the ramus—for both genders on both sides. No statistically significant association was found between the canal type and foramen location.
Conclusion: The mandibular foramen is most commonly located at the center of the ramus, though individual anatomical variations exist. Due to these variations, the course of the mandibular canal and its relationship to the third molar roots cannot be reliably predicted without radiographic imaging.