Analysis of the sublingual artery using contrast-enhanced computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Oral Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• The sublingual artery (SLA) is a crucial vessel in the oral cavity.
• Its proximity to the mandibular bone presents a potential risk during dental implant procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the precise anatomical position of the SLA relative to the mandible.
• To assess the risk of SLA injury during dental implant surgery.

Main Methods:

• Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans of 50 edentulous patients were analyzed.
• Curved planar reconstructions were used to measure the distance between the mandible and the SLA across different regions of the jaw.

Main Results:

• The SLA was found within 2mm of the mandible in a significant percentage of cases across molar, premolar, canine, and incisor regions.
• Alveolar resorption affects the vertical distance to the SLA, making the alveolar ridge an unreliable landmark.

Conclusions:

• The close proximity of the SLA to the mandible highlights a consistent risk of injury during dental implant placement.
• Due to the inability to preoperatively confirm SLA pathways, surgical caution is paramount to prevent soft tissue damage.