Panoramic radiographic findings of the mandibular foramen from deciduous to early permanent dentition.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the position of the mandibular foramen from deciduous (Hellman's stage IIA) to early permanent dentition (Hellman's stage IVA). Panoramic radiographs of 311 Taiwanese children were used. The results revealed that the distances between the mandibular foramen and ramus anterior plane were greater than those between the mandibular foramen and ramus posterior plane through all stages. The mean difference between them was the smallest (0.25 mm) in stage IIA and the greatest (1.18 mm) in stage IIIC. The distance from the mandibular foramen to the alveolar crest plane showed a little change from stage IIA (3.99 mm) to IVA (5.26 mm). The gonial angle had a negative correlation with the distances between the mandibular foramen and each mandibular border. Evaluation of the mandibular foramen from the oral aspect can be influenced by the degree of mouth opening.