Accessory mandibular foramina: Prevalence, embryological basis and surgical implications

Introduction: Our objective was to determine the incidence of accessory mandibular foramina (MA) in mandibles of south Indian origin. Methods: The study comprised 67 adult, human, dry mandibles which were procured from the departments of anatomy of our university. The prevalence rate and the laterality were analyzed. Results: The accessory mandibular foramina were observed in 11 mandibles (16.4%). They were present unilaterally in 6 (8.9%) mandibles (3 on the right side and 3 on the left side) and bilaterally in 5 (7.5%) cases. The accessory foramen was single in 9 cases and it was found to be double in 2 cases. Conclusion: In the current study, the incidence rate of the accessory mandibular foramina was 16.4%. The morphological knowledge of these foramina is important as they transmit the branches of the nerves which supply the roots of the teeth. The local anaesthetic drug which is given in this region may fail if these nerves or their branches pass through the accessory foramina.