Research Paper: Evaluation of posterior superior alveolar artery position and its relationship with maxillary sinus in cone beam computed tomography images

Abstract

Introduction: The posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) and the infraorbital artery (IOA) are the branches of the maxillary artery that provide blood flow to the maxillary sinus. The arterial site is essential for implant placement in the maxillary sinus area to prevent surgical injury. This study examined the location of PSAA and its relationship to the maxillary sinus. Materials and Methods: In this study, 145 CBCT images of patients referred to the Radiology department of the dental faculty, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, were included. Results: The mean distance between the lower border of the artery and the right alveolar crest 16.63 mm in the whole. On the left side, it was equal to 15.72 for men, 15.9 for women, and 15.83 overall, with a significant difference in ratio to gender (P> 0.05) and a significant difference in proportion to the maxilla (P<0.05). The mean diameter of the right PSAA in men was 0.76, in women 0.71, and general 0.73 (P> 0.05). On the left side, in men, it was 0.77, in women 0.71, and general 0.73. A significant difference was reported between genders (P <0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that the distance between the artery’s inferior border and the alveolar crest on the right side of the maxilla is greater than on the left. In addition, the diameter of PSAA is greater in men than in women. In other cases, the values are not significantly different. Men are more likely to bruise than women.