DOI: 10.17567/currresdentsci.1618666 ISSN: 2822-2555

Three-Dimensional Cone Beam Computed Tomography Evaluation of Nutrient Canal and Lingual Artery Position in South Indian Population: A CBCT Study

Amit Rajabhau Pawar Pawar, Gurumoorthy Kaarthikeyan
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Objective: To evaluate the prevalence, location, and morphology of nutrient canals (NCs), the positional relationship of the lingual artery, and the characteristics of the anterior loop of the mental nerve in the South Indian population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), with a focus on improving surgical safety in implantology and mandibular procedures.Methods: This cross-sectional study analysed 400 CBCT scans of South Indian individuals (aged 18–70 years). Assessed variables included the number, curvature, and bifurcation of NCs, position of the lingual artery relative to mandibular landmarks; and the length of the anterior loop of the mental nerve. Statistical tests (t-tests, ANOVA, Chi-square) were used to evaluate differences between variables.Results: The mean number of NCs per participant was 0.94, with 37.5% showing curvature and 25% exhibiting bifurcation. A significant gender-based difference was found in NC prevalence (P<.001). The lingual artery's position showed no significant variation across subjects. The anterior loop of the mental nerve averaged 7.21 mm in length (P<.02), with some cases presenting a shorter loop of 3.45 mm (P<.035).Conclusion: Significant anatomical variations were identified in NC morphology and the mental nerve's anterior loop, underlining the necessity of preoperative CBCT evaluation. These findings have direct clinical implications for minimizing surgical risks in implantology and mandibular interventions within the South Indian population.Keywords: Nutrient canals, lingual artery, anterior loop of the mental nerve, cone-beam computed tomography, health.

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