## 1 Introduction  
The mandibular canal (MC) is located within the mandible and hosts the inferior alveolar nerve and artery: it opens posteriorly through the mandibular foramen and anteriorly through the mental foramen (MF) [1]. The inferior alveolar nerve divides into its two branches--respectively, the incisive nerve and the mental nerve: the latter one passes through the MF together with the mental artery [2; 3; 4]. The MF represents a crucial anatomical point, as the mental nerve can be injured in several dental procedures, including endodontic procedures, overfilling, teeth extractions and implantology [1], with consequent sensory alterations of the inferior facial third medially to the MF [5]. The MF position is highly variable among subjects of the same ethnicity and age, and even the same person can have very different MF positions on either side. This foramen can be single, double, multiple and, in rare instances, even absent. In cases of multiple foramina, the smaller ones are considered minor foramina [4]. For many years, 2D imaging methods including conventional radiography have been the mainstay of dental diagnostic and treatment management. However, because the two-dimensional representation has limited visualization of the anatomy, there are serious problems with diagnosis and treatment planning. Variants of the mental foramen have already been widely analyzed on dry mandibles or cadavers [4; 5]; however, the introduction of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) widened the chances of exploring this important anatomical structure. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a relatively recent imaging technique used in dentistry to obtain 3D images of the oral and maxillofacial regions. Compared to traditional two-dimensional dental X-rays, CBCT offers several advantages, as CBCT provides high-resolution 3D images that allow dentists to view the teeth, bone structures, nerves and soft tissues from various angles and is not limited by image distortion related to overlapping structures. This level of accuracy helps in better understanding the anatomy and identifying potential issues. The identification of the mental foramen on CBCT images is significant in dental and maxillofacial imaging and surgical procedures [6; 7; 8; 9]. CBCT imaging allows clinicians to visualize the exact position and size of the mental foramen. This information is crucial for precise treatment planning in dental implantology, orthodontics and various mandibular surgical procedures. Knowing the exact location of the mental foramen helps avoid damage to vital structures, such as the mental nerve and vessels, during surgical interventions. In dental implant procedures, the accurate identification of the mental foramen helps determine the optimal implant placement. Placing implants too close to the mental foramen may lead to nerve injury, resulting in numbness, tingling or pain in the lower lip and chin. CBCT enables implantologists to choose implant sites that provide sufficient bone support while avoiding interference with the mental foramen. The mental nerve exits through the mental foramen, and its precise identification aids in the administration of local anesthesia [6]. Dentists can deliver anesthesia more effectively and with greater patient comfort by avoiding direct contact with the mental nerve. In endodontic treatments, anatomical details about the position of the mental foramen are beneficial for successful root canal therapy. They help dentists accurately locate the mental nerve's canal and thoroughly clean and fill the root canals in the affected teeth [8]. In orthodontics, the position of the mental foramen can guide the orthodontist in planning the movement of teeth and aligners, especially in cases of lower anterior tooth retraction. Being aware of the proximity of the mental foramen allows the orthodontist to design treatment plans that do not interfere with the neurovascular bundle.