Topographic and Morphometric Assessment of Facial Foramina in Maxilla, Mandible, and Zygomatic Bones: Anatomical and Clinical Relevance.

BACKGROUND: The anatomy of the zygomatic bone, maxilla, periorbital, and mental regions is important because important vessels and nerves pass through these regions. The zygomaticofacial nerve can be injured during facial surgeries, especially during zygomatic implant surgeries. Infraorbital and mental nerves are among the nerves blocked during local anesthesia in dentistry. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the topographic and morphometric characteristics of the zygomaticofacial, infraorbital, and mental foramina, and to determine their anatomical variations and clinical significance in order to provide guidance for maxillofacial surgical procedures and regional anesthesia applications. METHODS: 30 dry human skull bones (60 sides) were examined. The distance of the zygomaticofacial foramen to the edge of the orbit, the distance to the lower end of the zygomaticomaxillary suture, the distance to the upper end of the zygomaticotemporal suture, and the distance to the infraorbital foramen were measured. The distance of the infraorbital foramen to the edge of the orbit and the lower end of the suture zygomaticomaxillaris was measured. Morphometric measurements of the mental foramen variations were examined. RESULTS: Distance between infraorbital foramen and zygomaticomaxillary suture found 24.42 mm on the right; 25.21 mm on the left. It was statistically significant (p = 0.030). The location of the zygomaticofacial foramen was evaluated in four regions (A, B, C, and D), and the most frequent location was region A. CONCLUSION: Determining the area where the zygomaticofacial foramen is most commonly located will serve as a guide to help prevent nerve injury during facial surgery. It is important that there is no significant difference in the distances between the foramina on the right and left sides to facilitate surgical interventions.