Assessment of Pathway and Location of Posterior Superior Alveolar Artery: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study

Objective The current study evaluated the complicated pathway of the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) and measured the prevalence, diameter, and length of PSAA to the alveolar crests of molars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The study compared findings between dentate and edentulous patients grouped by their age. In addition, the study researched the presence of the septa. Methods One hundred and fifty CBCT scans of patients with ages ranging from 20 to 80 years were analyzed for the study. The measurements of PSAA were obtained from CBCT scans. Results The PSAA was detected on CBCT scans of 87.3% of participants. The majority course of PSAA was intraosseous (right side 53.3%, left side 63.3%). The diameter of PSAA was 1.30±0.42 mm on the right side and 1.19±0.40 mm on the left side. The length of PSAA to the alveolar crest of the third molar (A1) was 17.16±2.72 mm on the right side and 17.82±3.2 mm on the left side, to the first molar (M1) was 11.6±2.66 mm on the right side and 11.65±2.37 mm on the left side, and to second molar (M2) was 12.51±1.96 mm on the right side and 12.44±2.72 mm on the left side. There was no significant difference noticed between dentate and edentulous participant groups. Six percent (6%) of the scans showed the septa in the maxillary sinus. Conclusions The study showed that CBCT scans and their analysis help the clinician to make a better radiographic diagnosis and clinical application while using surgical procedures, such as implant placement and sinus lift.