MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this bibliometric analysis, an extensive search was carried out on September 25, 2023 using the Scopus database. Pertinent articles in the field were scrutinized after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were evaluated using Vosviewer and Microsoft Excel.
RESULTS: A literature search revealed the initiation of scientific publication in 2008. Significant contributions made by Saudi Arabia, India, and China concerning the number of publications were seen. Similarly, Jazan University from SA was recognized as the leading institute. The Journal of Endodontics was the leading journal, while authors JNR Martins and G Gambarini produced the highest number of papers.
CONCLUSIONS: This bibliometric analysis demonstrated that scientific publications have increased tremendously since 2008. Significant contributions have been made by developing and developed nations. The Journal of Endodontics and Jazan University have been identified as the leading journal and institute.
METHODS: For this cross-sectional study, retrospective CBCT data of Pakistani individuals from both genders were assessed using the Mimics software (Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium). The participants were selected from the Mahajir and Pukhtoon ethnic groups in Pakistan. The dimensions of the MtF, which included vertical and horizontal diameter and area of foramen, were measured. The distance of the foramen to various anatomical structures was measured, which included the alveolar crest, inferior border of the mandible, and anterior mandible. Data were assessed using SPSS version 28 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Statistical analysis was performed using an independent sample t-test and a paired t-test. P-values greater than 0.05 and 0.001 were considered significant.
RESULTS: Greater measurements had been recorded for the Pukhtoon ethnicity with respect to the vertical, horizontal, and area of the foramen. In relation to the dimensions, males showed larger measurements than females. MtF's distance to the alveolar crest, inferior border of the mandible, and anterior mandible (p < 0.001) was greater in Pukhtoon ethnicity. Males displayed longer measurements.
CONCLUSION: CBCT proved to be a highly accurate and useful tool for the analysis of the dimensions and distances from the MtF in both ethnicities. The Pukhtoon ethnicity exhibited overall greater measurements with respect to the dimensions, highlighting a significant difference between the two ethnicities. Analysis of MtF distance to various landmarks resulted in longer measurements being observed in males and Pukhtoon ethnicity.