Objective:
The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and measure the depth of the mandibular lingual concavities, using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans. This was done in an attempt to avoid perforation of the lingual cortex during dental implant insertion.
Methodology:
CBCT scans of 174 patients requiring dental implants were used in this study. The scans included 86 females and 88 males. On each scan, the depth of the lingual concavity was measured at the first and second molar areas. These measurements were then tabulated and statistically analyzed to compare the prevalence and depth of the lingual concavity at the first and second molar areas, on the right and left sides, in males and females, and in dentate and edentulous cases.
Results:
There was a statistically significant difference between the mean depth of the lingual concavity in males and females, as it was higher in males (4.85mm) than in females (4.09mm). The mean depth of the concavity was greater at the second molar than at the first molar in both males and females. The concavities were also found to be deeper on the left side of the mandible in both genders.
Conclusion:
In the examined Egyptian population, the concavity depth was greater in males than in females and greater in the second molar area, on the left side of the mandible. Therefore, CBCT imaging is crucial for accurate preoperative examination in dental implant cases to avoid complications such as lingual perforations.