## 4 Discussion  
The present study reported the use of different digital tools in a precise workflow to determine the morphogeometric patterns of the interforaminal mandibular region from CBCT scans. Precision is important in allowing for correct identification of the location and demarcation of anatomical landmarks for export and correct processing of coordinates in geometric morphometry methodologies [24]. In addition, clinically, the landmarks used in this study were based on anatomical references of relevance in routine implant surgery of the mandibular interforaminal region. This study has clinical importance in the development of surgical and prosthetic procedures in the field of oral implantology. Similar research has been conducted on the interforaminal mandibular region through standardized measurements with the aim of determining the remaining bone availability, relevant anatomical structures in relation to dental implant surgeries, and possible complications [12; 13; 24; 25; 26; 27]. On this regard, a recent study evaluated the bone quantity and quality of this anatomical region by directly performing measurements in CBCT scans but, different to what was done in our study, these results were based in dentated patients [28]. However, geometric morphometry from CBCT scans has rarely been used. The digitization protocol used in this study standardizes data acquisition through the use of a single acquisition source of CBCT images, a lower number of type 1 landmarks, and curves with sliding semi-landmarks. This data acquisition protocol ensures the standardization and precision of the process, unlike other capture and measurement protocols that have been described in the literature that could lead to wrong conclusions [29; 30]. In addition, the methodology in the present pilot study was not critical in terms of the number of landmarks used in 3D morphogenetic analysis. In this context, we digitized four landmarks that depended on the availability according to the CBCT images' FOV, in comparison with other research that used a relatively higher number of landmarks [30; 31; 32; 33; 34]. From a clinical point of view, the use of CBCT scans in dental implant planning in the interforaminal mandibular region is an advantage because these devices reduce radiation exposure in the image capture while maintaining an adequate voxel resolution and accurate measurements [35; 36]. This type of routine clinical imaging used in dentistry is also presented as a tool to perform studies that analyze variations in maxilla-mandibular bone morphology in a descriptive and qualitative manner, potentially facilitating clinical decision making. All of these features lead to the best surgical and prosthetic treatment for the benefit of patients. Our study, which describes the bone morphology of this region, is presented as a complement to recent publications that have qualitatively analyzed this region in dedentulous patients through CBCT scans [37]. In the 2D analysis of the paramedian cross sections, variations were observed in the basal and suprabasal zones on the four PCs. In addition, the most frequently found reabsorption pattern was PC1 or the elongated drop shape, which presented a sharpening of the crestal area of the alveolar process, similar to PC3 or the triangular shape. On the basis of these findings, we suggest that bone grafting procedures or installation of narrow implants could be planned for PC1 or PC3. In the symphysis area, we found four morphogeometric patterns, with the elongated drop shape or PC1 being the most frequently observed. Our analysis suggests that the area of the symphysis maintains a bone availability that would allow for the insertion of standard diameter dental implants. Moreover, it is noteworthy that, in the 2D analysis of the symphysis and paramedian cross sections, all patterns of bone resorption presented some degree of bone atrophy in the crestal, suprabasal, and basal areas, involving the buccal and lingual bone plates.