ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the anatomic morphology of submandibular fossa. Methods Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to analyze the anatomic morphology of submandibular fossa. Implants of various dimensions were virtually placed into the mandibular 1st and 2nd molar region. Spatial relationships among submandibular fossa , mandibular canal and implant were analyzed. Results The depth of the submandibular fossa was (1.0 ± 0.61)mm in the 1st molar region and (1.5 ± 0.61)mm in the 2nd molar region. There were no significant statistical difference in genders, sides, and tooth loss. The length of the implants was (19.7 ± 3.75)mm (d = 4 mm) and (18.6 ± 3.73)mm (d = 5 mm) in the 1st molar region and (16.2 ± 3.46) mm (d = 4 mm) and (15.2 ± 3.09)mm (d = 5 mm) in the 2nd molar region in patiens with teeth and lingual perforation; the length of the implants was (17.1 ± 3.77)mm (d = 4 mm) and (15.6 ± 3.85)mm (d = 5 mm), and (14.2 ± 4.05)mm (d = 4 mm) and (13.2 ± 4.27)mm (d = 5 mm) in patients with tooth loss, respectively. Conclusions Determination of spatial relationships among submandibular fossa , mandibular canal and implants by using CBCT has important significance in guiding dental implant surgery.