Evaluation of correlation between the visibility of submandibular fossa and mandibular canal cortication on panoramic radiographs and submandibular fossa depth on Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in patients referring to Radiology Center of Faculty of Dentistry in 1397

Abstract

Introduction: There are many anatomical structures around the submandibular fossa, so understanding the anatomy of this area is essential in implant surgery to prevent these injuries such as hemorrhage, nerve and duct damage, and perforation of the lingual cortical bone. In this regard, the aim of this study was to evaluate the depth of the submandibular fossa with CBCT images and to investigate the correlation between fossa depth and radiolucency of the submandibular fossa and mandibular canal cortication in panoramic images.

Material and Methods: 168 CBCT images and panoramic radiographs were evaluated. The depth of the submandibular fossa in CBCT images was divided into three groups: type ɪ (less than 2 mm), type ɪɪ (2-3 mm) and type ɪɪɪ (more than 3 mm). Radiolucency of the submandibular fossa and mandibular canal cortication in panoramic images were compared with the depth of the submandibular fossa in CBCT images.

Results: The mean depth of the submandibular fossa was 1.7 ± 0.74 (mean ± standard deviation). The minimum and maximum fossa depth was 0.3 and 3.47, respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between submandibular fossa radiolucency, mandibular canal cortication and submandibular fossa depth, but there was no significant correlation between deep fossa types and submandibular fossa radiolucency and mandibular canal cortication.

Conclusion: In deep fossa types of the submandibular fossa, visibility of submandibular fossa radiolucency and mandibular canal cortication in panoramic images cannot be reliable and may increase risk of lingual perforation, thus indicating the importance of CBCT images in dental implants.