Accuracy of periapical radiography, panoramic radiography and computed tomography for examining the mental foramen region Acurácia de radiografia periapical, radiografia panorâmica e tomografia computadorizada para exame da região do forame mentual

Methods: Twenty dry human hemimandibles were examed by using periapical and panoramic radiography, and computed tomography. An electronic digital caliper was used to measure the tracings obtained from the radiographies in three different times (groups A1, A2 and A3) and in the cross-sectioned hemimandibles (group B). Measurements consisted of: Measure 1 – from the upper limit of the alveolar ridge to the upper limit of the mental foramen; Measure 2 – from the upper limit of the mental foramen to the inferior limit of the cortical bone of the base of the jaw; Measure 3 – from the upper limit of the alveolar ridge to the inferior limit of the cortical bone of the base of the jaw. Data were analyzed with Student-t and Friedman tests.