Prevalence and implications of accessory retromolar foramina in clinical dentistry.

The occurrence of retromolar foramina (RMF) was examined in a sample of dry skulls (African American n = 249; Causcasian n = 226) to consider the potential clinical impact. A prevalence rate of 7.8% of RMF was found. There were no statistical differences based on race or gender. The prevalence may contribute to the explanation of a portion of inferior alveolar nerve block failures and provide insight into potential implications of surgery in the posterior mandible.