Prevalence and morphometric characterization of the genial tubercle via CBCT: evidence from a Turkish population

Background: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and morphometric characteristics of the genial tubercle (GT) in a Turkish population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), by classifying the morphology of GTs and evaluating their width, height, and anatomical position, in relation to age and sex. Methods: A total of 356 CBCT images were collected from the radiology archive at Hacettepe University Faculty of Dentistry, involving 228 female and 128 male patients aged 18 years and older. The GTs were identified and classified using multiplanar reconstruction sections. Measurements taken included the width (GT-w) and height (GT-h) of the GTs, the distance from the GTs to the apex of the mandibular central incisors (I-SGT), the distance to the mandibular base (IGT-M), and the mandibular anterior thickness (MT). Results: The overall prevalence of GTs was found to be 90.4%, with 9.6% of patients showing no GTs present. The most frequently observed type was GT-3 (33.1%), while the least common was GT-5 (9.6%). A statistically significant relationship was found between GT types and sex, as well as age groups (p = 0.007 and p = 0.017, respectively). Measurements indicated that the GT-w, GT-h, I-SGT, and MT values for males were greater than those for females. Conclusions: The GTs exhibited significant variation in morphology according to age and sex, with GT-3 being the most common type and detectable GTs present in over 90% of individuals. Male participants demonstrated greater GT-w, GT-h, and MT values than females. The subdivision of Type 4 into 4 A and 4B provided a more detailed radiological characterization, which may serve as a useful reference in future anatomical and clinical research. CBCT images provide detailed information regarding the morphological assessment of GTs. Trial registration: Not applicable.