Prevalence of Type of Sublingual Concavity and its Correlation with the Visibility of Mandibular Canal in Panoramic View in South Indian Population-A CBCT Study
Author(s): Gaurav N Ketkar, Sankari Malaiappan* and Rajeshkumar S
Abstract
Background: Sound anatomic knowledge and thorough treatment planning is necessary to avoid complications in the surgical field. With the help of the recent advances in radiographic 3D imaging (Cone Beam Computed Tomography-CBCT) it is possible to plan and carry out the intended treatment with minimal possibility of risks. Aim: The present study was aimed at assessing the lingual concavities in the submandibular fossa region also the location of mandibular canal in patients requiring dental implants with the help of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to correlate it with the visibility of the mandibular canal (MC) in the panoramic view. Material and methods: 200 CBCT scans and panoramic radiographs were evaluated. SF depth types were classified as type I (0-1mm); type II (2-3mm) and type III (>3mm) on CBCT. Visibility of SF and the cortication of MC on panoramic radiographs were compared with the depth of SF on CBCT. Distances between MC and mandibular inferior, buccal, and lingual cortices were measured. Results: Sixty two percent of the selected population fell under the type II group, whereas 31% and 6% under type I and type III groups respectively. Conclusion: Within the limits of the study, it can be concluded that implant placement can be done with minimal risk of perforation in the mandibular posterior region in the selected population. No significant correlation was found between visibility of the MC in panoramic view and the type of sublingual concavity. A marked radiolucent submandibular fossa on a panoramic image does not undoubtedly indicate a deep fossa, which emphasizes the importance of 3-D imaging in implant planning.