Abstract
To assess the prevalence of variations in the lingual foramina in the anterior mandible mid line region among people coming to our institute.70 CBCTS images of mandible taken at Saveetha Dental College, Chennai (35 male, 35 female) were evaluated on the axial, coronal and sagittal sections for the presence and number of lingual foramina for each patient. Their patterns, length, distance from the alveolar crest and distance from the inferior border of the mandible were measured. The study datas was analysed in the year 2019.Sample size estimation: Sample size estimation was done and the minimum sample size of both groups was calculated, following these input conditions: power of 0.95 and P ≤ 0.05 sample size arrived at 35 per group. Statistical analysis used: Descriptive statistics frequency analysis was used.Results: The mean age group of the male population was 32 years and the mean age group of the female population was 38 years. All the 70 CBCT images analysed showed atleast one lingual foramina. 38 images showed presence of one single lingual foramina of which 22 were male and 16 were female. 30 images showed presence of two lingual foramina of which 12 were male and 18 were female. Two images showed the presence of three lingual foramina of which one in male and one in female. Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that there was a significant anatomical variations are common in lingual foramen. Anatomical variations cannot be identified in 2D imaging. Common anatomical alteration is the presence of 2nd Foramina.

Key words: Anterior mandible, lingual foramen, cone beam computed tomography, surgical complications, dental implants.