Association between mandibular foramen position and Nolla's developmental stages of mandibular permanent first and second molars in 6-15-year-old children using orthopantomographs - A cross-sectional study.

CONTEXT: Chronological age is commonly used to predict mandibular foramen (MF) position, but its use is limited by variability in dental maturation. Nolla's developmental stages may provide a more reliable guide for MF localization, potentially improving the success of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block (IANB) in pediatric patients. AIM: The aim of the study is to assess the association between the position of MF and Nolla's developmental stages of mandibular permanent first and second molars in children aged 6-15 years using Orthopantomographs (OPGs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed 255 OPGs of children aged 6--15 years. Bilateral MF depth relative to the deepest point of the coronoid notch and height relative to the mandibular occlusal plane were measured. Developmental stages of the mandibular permanent first and second molars were assessed using Nolla's developmental staging (0-10). Statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: MF depth and height increased significantly with advancing Nolla's developmental stages bilaterally of the mandibular permanent first and second molars ( P = 0.004; P < 0.001). Chronological age showed a significant but weak positive correlation with MF depth and height ( P < 0.001). No significant gender differences were observed in MF position ( P > 0.05). Significant bilateral differences were found in MF height ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: MF position correlates significantly with developmental stages of the mandibular permanent first and second molars, offering a more reliable reference than chronological age. This may improve accuracy and success of IANB anesthesia in children.