Aim: The present study was aimed at assessing the lingual concavities in the submandibular fossa region in patients requiring dental implants with the help of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Materials and methods: The present study included 140 patients who visited the department with the missing mandibular posterior teeth. CBCT images were obtained using planmeca machine. Cross sections of 1 mm of submandibular fossa in the region of 1st and 2nd molar were studied and Type I to III lingual concavities were analyzed by a radiologist.
Results: Type I lingual concavity (< 2 mm) was seen in 23%, type II (2–3 mm) in 62% and Type III (> 3 mm) in 15% of patients. The difference was significant (p < 0.05). Males had slightly higher mean ± S.D value at 1st molar (2.6 mm ± 0.94) and 2nd molar (2.8 mm ± 0.90) on the left side and (2.7 mm ± 0.92) at 1st molar and (2.9 mm ± 0.93) at 2nd molar on the right side. The difference was nonsignificant (p > 0.05). Females had mean ± S.D value at 1st molar (2.3 mm ± 0.90) and (2.5 mm ± 0.92) at 2nd molar on the left side and (2.4 mm ± 0.91) at 1st molar and (2.8 mm ± 0.93) at 2nd molar. The difference was nonsignificant (p > 0.05. The difference between both genders was statistically nonsignificant (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Type I bone is the best for placing an implant. The chances of complications are more in type II and III bone. CBCT provides necessary information before planning implant in the edentulous area.
Clinical significance: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is the best radiographic aid which is effective in delineating different types of bone in the mandibular posterior region.
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