Assessment of neurovascular channels in lateral maxillary sinus wall using cone-beam computed tomography: An imperative clinicians guide for implant placements.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the location and radio morphometric features of the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) in patients undergoing rehabilitation of posterior maxilla and other sinus augmentation surgical procedures by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 816 CBCT scans were included. Various radio morphometric measurements were done to assess the PSAA location, diameter, and distances to the sinus floor and alveolar crest.

RESULTS: The PSAA was mostly intraosseous in the maximum in the age group 31-51 years (56%), in males (53.4%), and in dentate patients (57.4%). The artery tends to be wider in older patients. Distances to the sinus floor or the alveolar crest tend to be shorter in women.

CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that CBCT is a valuable pre-surgical tool and the evaluation of the PSAA on CBCT images could reduce the likelihood of excess bleeding during surgery in the maxillary posterior region.