Bilateral Presence of Mandibular Incisive Canal. An Anatomical Structure with Clinical Relevance

The anterior mandible region is generally considered a safe surgical area, involving few risks of damage to vital anatomic structures. However, this area has an intraosseous canal, the mandibular incisive canal (MIC), the continuation of the mandibular canal, mesial to the mental foramen where the mandibular incisive nerve along with vascular structures is located. The presence and course of the incisive nerve remains a matter of debate and some authors even neglect it. This case report defines the anatomic courses of the incisive mandibular canal bilaterally using cone-beam computed tomography and confirms the presence of the incisive nerve by endoscopically assisted surgical technique. The knowledge of the MIC presence, length and diameter may play an important role in successful implant osseointegration and prevention of postoperative sensory disturbances.