Investigating the Link between Mandibular Arch Form and Intermental Foramina Measurements with Advanced CBCT Imaging

Abstract

Background: The mandibular arch form and intermental foramina (IMF) dimensions are critical anatomical parameters influencing prosthetic stability, orthodontic outcomes, implant safety, and surgical planning.

Objective: To investigate the association between mandibular arch form and intermental foramina measurements using CBCT imaging. 

Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Department of prosthetic, Fatima memorial hospital, Lahore from July 2024 to Jan 2025. A total of 200 patients who underwent CBCT scans were included in the study. Mandibular arch form was categorized as ovoid, square, or tapered. The interforaminal distance was measured bilaterally and analyzed according to arch type and gender.  

Results: The mean age of participants was 34.7 ± 10.2 years, with 54% males and 46% females. Ovoid arch form was the most common (46%), followed by square (30.5%) and tapered (23.5%). The overall mean IMF distance was 26.9 ± 2.7 mm. Square arches showed the greatest mean distance (28.4 ± 2.7 mm), ovoid arches were intermediate (26.8 ± 2.5 mm), and tapered arches were narrowest (25.1 ± 2.3 mm). ANOVA demonstrated statistically significant differences among arch types (p <0.001). Gender analysis revealed that males had significantly greater IMF distances (27.4 ± 2.8 mm) compared to females (26.2 ± 2.5 mm, p = 0.04). 

Conclusion: Mandibular arch form significantly influences intermental foramina distance, with square arches associated with the widest spacing and tapered arches with the narrowest. Males demonstrated larger IMF distances compared to females. CBCT imaging provides precise evaluation of these anatomical relationships, enhancing surgical safety and individualized treatment planning in prosthodontics, orthodontics, and implantology.