Analysis of Average Index Values of Mandible

Abstract

Objectives: Mandible is the only viscerocranium bone moving in the skull. Mandible is active in speech and chewing functions; important bone for many areas such as anatomy, dentistry, anthropology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, jaw surgery. The aim of this study is to determine the average index values of the mandible and to contribute to the literature. Methods: This study was carried out using digital calipers with a sensitivity of 0.01 millimeter (mm) on 15 mandibular dry bone specimens in Anatomy Department of Erciyes University. Age and gender were not diffrentiated in dry bone samples. Measurements were made on the mandible, mainly on the location of the mental foramen and mandibular foramen, and on the other 20 reference points of the mandible. Results: In our study, there was no statistically signifiant diffrence when bilateral mandible data were compared (p>0.05). The average length of the mandibular foramen to the deepest point of the mandibular notch was found to be 20.39 mm on the right and 19.90 mm on the left. Conclusion: Knowing the normal anatomic structure and morphometric values of the mandibular bone well may avoid any possible complications during operations in this area.