Aim: The aim of this study was to analyse the location of the mandibular foramen (MF) in vertical and horizontal planes by using a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) volumetric data set obtained from adult Saudi population.

Methodology: CBCT data from 57 females and 50 males (mean age, 38 years; range, 20–56 years) were randomly selected from the Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology Division, Faculty of Dentistry, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, between 2017 and 2019. CBCT images were acquired using an i-CAT three-dimensional (3D) imaging system. Standardization of the 3D-rendered volume within the three coordinates was performed. All radiographs were interpreted independently by two observers, and there was satisfactory intra- and inter-observer agreement. All measurements (MF/deepest point at the anterior border of the ramus [A], MF/most convex point of the mandibular angle [I], MF/deepest point of the mandibular sigmoid notch, MF/deepest point at the posterior border of the ramus, MF/reference occlusal plane line) were performed on both right and left rami on a total of 214 CBCT scans.

Result: MF/A (P = 0.001) and MF/superior vertical height (P = 0.0082) were significantly different between age groups, while males and females exhibited significant differences in MF/I (P = 0.0045) and MF/superior vertical height (P = 0.0297).

Conclusion: The study results indicated that MF is located posteriorly and superiorly and its position is directly correlated with patient age and sex. Therefore, patient age and sex may be used to predict MF location, thereby facilitating the administration of IAN block anesthesia and orthognathic surgery.