Objective: The aim of this study is to measure the vertical diameter of the mental foramen (Mff) using ultrasonography (USG) and evaluate the relationship between the results based on age and gender.

Material and Method: A total of 108 people, 36 people (18 women, 18 men) from each group aged 18-29, 30-39, and over 40 participated in this study. The right vertical diameter and left vertical diameter of the Mff were measured from the USG images. The relationship between the measurement results and age and gender was examined.

Results: A total of 216 Mff images, right and left, belonging to 108 people were evaluated in this study. As a result of the measurements made with USG; the general average of the vertical diameter of the Mff was found to be
2.61 (±0.42) mm on the right side and 2.64 (±0.45) mm on the left side. The average vertical diameter of the Mff on USG was found to be higher in men than in women. The vertical diameter average of the right Mff was found to be higher in the 30-39 age group than in the 18-29 age group.

Conclusion: In surgical procedures to be performed in the Mff region, such as implant surgery, which has become popular especially in the rehabilitation of missing teeth, knowing the Mff diameter can prevent complications such as damage to this region and anesthesia. USG can be used as an alternative imaging method in cases where other imaging methods cannot be used in imaging the vertical diameter of the Mff.

Ultrasonography Mental foramen Anatomical landmarks