METRIC ANALYSIS OF THE JAW FORAMEN IN DRY SKULLS

Abstract

There are several situations in Dentistry in which the use of anesthetics is relevant to undertake the required procedures. The jaw requires different treatments when the anesthetic issue is involved since the bony cortical does not allow a good diffusion of the anesthetic salts. Consequently, the blockage of the lower alveolar nerve is required. Current research measures the foramens in jaws and establishes their relationships with reference points of angle and jaw branch. If there are significant anatomical variations, errors in the anesthetic blockage of the lower alveolar right or left nerve may be justified. The jaws of 48 subjects were selected and jaw foramen was measured against the following sites: Site A – condylic; site B – gonic; site C – anterior edge; site D – posterior edge. Foramen measurements were undertaken in the two antimeres by digital caliper (Western Pro), 0.1 mm resolution. Mean distances analyzed were: right anterior edge 15.285mm and left anterior edge 15.537 mm; right posterior edge 12.531 mm and left posterior edge 12.593 mm; right condyle 42.839 mm and left condyle 42.839 mm; mean distance to right gonic site was 20.762 mm and to left gonic site 20.725 mm. No significant variations were reported between the antimeres.