Background: The anterior loop is a prolongation of the neurovascular bundle of mandibular canal anterior to the mental foramen. This structure cannot be seen clinically but can be detected in radiographs. It is an important presurgical landmark of the mental interforaminal area during radiographic analysis. Aims: To determine the visibility of anterior loop in the mandible on panoramic radiographs. Material and Methods: Total 480 Panoramic radiographs of dentate patients with completely erupted lower premolars and molars were selected for the study. Subjects were divided into five different age groups. The radiographs were assessed for visibility of anterior loop. Anterior loop status was categorized as present on both sides, present on right side only and present on left side only. Statistical Analysis: Cross tabulations followed by a chi-square test were performed to compare the significance of categorical findings with respect to age group and gender. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: One or more anterior loops were visible in 41% of radiographs. Anterior loops were most commonly visible bilaterally in 29.2% of radiographs followed by right side 7.5% and left side 4.3%. Visibility of anterior loop reduced with increased age of the subjects. There was no association between visualization of the anterior loop and subject gender. Conclusion: In our present study, the radiographic appearance of anterior loop was present in significant percentage of cases. Prevalence of the anterior loop can be overlooked and should be carefully identified before any surgical procedures in the mental interforaminal region.

 Keywords: Anterior Loop; Mental Foramen; Panoramic Radiographs.