Assessment and comparison of age-related three-dimensional variation in the anterior loop of the inferior alveolar nerve for pre-surgical planning [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]

Background: The mental foramen (M.F.) is crossed anteriorly by the mental neurovascular bundle, then does a U-turn to leave M.F. The anterior loop is a section of the inferior alveolar nerve. Prior to deciding how to operate on the anterior mandible, it is essential to take this anatomic variation into account. Methods: This study will be carried out by studying 70 cone-beam computed tomography scans. The anterior loop will be measured using the PLANMECA proMax Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) measuring tool. Its measurement specifications include a cylinder-shaped field of view with a voxel size of 300, a voltage in tubes of 90 kV, 6.3 mA tube current, and a 12-second exposure period. The field of view will be the same for all scans to standardize the criteria for selecting images from scans. Conclusions: Compared to multi-slice computed tomography, C.B.C.T. has a number of advantages, including the ability to analyze craniofacial features in three dimensions without distortion or overlapping images. Furthermore, C.B.C.T. is considered the gold standard for assessing bone tissue. Correctly identifying and protecting neurovascular bundles is crucial to preventing sensorineural damage in the interforaminal area. This is because there are significant individual anatomical differences present to varying degrees. Therefore, the present study is undertaken with the objectives of recognizing the Antecedent Inferior Alveolar Nerve loop, evaluating the dimensions of the A.L. for pre-surgical planning, and comparing the age-related three-dimensional variations in A.L. of the Inferior Alveolar nerve.