Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Evaluation of the Submandibular Fossa in a Group of Dental Implant Patients.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE In the mandibular posterior region, presurgical imaging can provide valuable information of anatomical variants. The aim of this study is to evaluate submandibular fossa anatomy in the posterior mandible using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. STUDY DESIGN One hundred thirty-two preimplant CBCT examinations were used. Several morphometric measurements were performed in the submandibular fossa. Moreover, each patient was classified according to the Kennedy classification. Statistical analysis was used to test the relationship among measurements, sex, side, and each tooth. RESULTS A total of 2412 measurements were performed from all patients. The deepest concavity at the submandibular fossa in all Kennedy Class groups was in the 1st and 2nd molars. The concavity depth was statistically higher in class I group for 1st and 2nd molars than the other Kennedy Class groups. Class IV group showed less depth than the other groups. When compared with female patients, all measurements in male patients were statistically higher. The patients older than 35 years showed higher measurements than the patients younger than 35 years. CONCLUSIONS Mandibles with any lingual concavity pose a potential increased risk of lingual cortical perforation during surgery. This study revealed that the alveolar bone resorption occurs both vertically and horizontally, and the preservation of teeth can limit the bone resorption.