Objective:

To determine the morphometric characteristics of the mandibular lingula in dry adult Bolivian mandibles and its relationship with dentition.

Materials and Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 196 dry mandibles (392 hemimandibles), classified into three groups: bilaterally dentate, bilaterally edentulous, and unilaterally edentulous. Distances from the lingula to the anterior, posterior, superior, and inferior borders of the mandibular ramus, as well as its height in relation to the occlusal plane, were measured using a digital caliper (accuracy: 0,01 mm).

Results:

In bilaterally dentate mandibles, the lingula was located 16,3 ± 2,5 mm from the anterior border and 20,7 ± 2,7 mm from the superior border. In bilaterally edentulous mandibles, these distances were smaller (14,8 ± 2,6 mm and 19,7 ± 2,6 mm, respectively). The height of the lingula varied significantly: −2,2 mm below the occlusal plane in dentate mandibles versus +9,5 mm above the plane in edentulous ones (p < 0,05).

Discussion:

The position of the lingula varies according to dental status, suggesting that anesthetic and surgical techniques should be adjusted accordingly. These findings provide anatomical foundations to reduce failures in inferior alveolar nerve blocks.