Mandibular Anterior Landmarks

Genial tubercle – The genial tubercle is a spiny protuberance or prominence (sometimes two) of bone located in the midline on the lingual aspect of the mandible below the roots of the incisor teeth. This structure serves as the locus of attachment for the genioglossus and geniohyoid muscles. Although variable in appearance, the tubercle often produces a ring-like or doughnut-shaped radiopacity on mandibular incisor periapical images. The genial tubercle is also referred to as the mental spine.

Lingual foramen – The lingual foramen is a small pin-point opening in bone on the lingual aspect of the anterior mandible for the lingual nerve and arteries. The lingual foramen appears in the midline below the apices of the central incisor teeth. This dot-like radiolucency is frequently surrounded by the genial tubercle. The lingual foramen is recorded on mandibular incisor periapical images.

Mental fossa – The mental fossa is a depression in the bone on the labial aspect of the mandible. It has a diffuse radiolucent appearance above the mental ridge. The mental fossa varies in its prominence depending on the thickness and density of the anterior mandible.

Mental ridge – The mental ridge is a prominence of bone on the labial surface of the anterior mandible. This structure presents as an inverted V-shaped radiopaque ridge that extends from the premolar to canine area on each side meeting in the midline. The mental ridge varies in its presentation with some individuals displaying very distinct ridge anatomy while others, little or no evidence of its presence. This mandibular landmark can be recorded on incisor and partially on the lateral aspect of canine periapical images.