Anatomy of the Mandible: Developmental Variations and Clinical Significance

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Anatomical structures serve as landmarks for dental procedures. Therefore, in our present study, we determined the most common anatomical variations of mandibles. Material and Methods: The study included 50 dry mandibles from the department of human anatomy obtained from patients of Moldavian origin. The obtained data was analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearsons correlation. A p level of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The mandibular foramen was situated in the inferior 1/3 of mandibular ramus in 30 cases (60%). In 20 cases (40%) the mandibular foramen was situated in the middle of the ramus. Both premolar foramen and accessory mandibular foramen were encountered in two cases respectively (4%). Mylohyoid bridging was also encountered in two cases (4%). The condylar morphology differed according to its surface and was classified in to four types: type A - superior surface flattened, type B - superior surface convex, type C - superior surface angled and type D - superior surface rounded. The morphology of the left condylar process according to the types: A – 20 cases (40%), B – 16 cases (32%), C – 2 (4%), D – 12 (24%). The morphology of the right condylar process according to the types: A – 16 cases (32%), B – 20 (40%), C – 6 (12%), D – 8 (16%). There were four common forms of the lingula: triangular lingula (type 1), truncated lingula (type 2), lingula seen as a less prominent nodule (type 3), lingula assimilated in the mandibular ramus (type 4). The lingual type from the right side: type 1 – 8 (16%), type 2 – 18 (36%), type 3 – 18 (36%) and type 4 – 6 (12%). The lingual type from the left side: type 1 – 10 (20%), type 2 – 18 (36%), type 3 – 18 (36%) and type 4 – 6 (12%). Conclusions: The anatomy of the mandible has several clinically significant anatomical variations, which should be taken into consideration in daily dentist practice. The data provided in the article discusses some of the variations of the development and morphological parameters of mandibles from the Moldavian population.