Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Determination of the depth of the submandibular gland fossa and its relationship to the mandibular canal using cone beam computed tomography.

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors
Mahshid Razavi
Saeed Shirafkan
Niloofar Beladi Moghadam
Zahra Saadi
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
10.48305/jims.v44.i860.0675
Abstract
Background: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is extensively utilized for implant treatment planning. Accordingly, this study aimed to determine the depth of the submandibular gland fossa (SMF) and its anatomical relationship with the mandibular canal using CBCT.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on CBCT images of the mandible obtained from patients archived in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, during the Iranian calendar year (2021-2022). The patients had been referred for various indications, including implant placement. Demographic data, including age, sex, and side (left/right), along with SMF depth and the positional relationship of the mandibular canal relative to the SMF, were recorded and statistically analyzed.
Findings: The findings revealed that the minimum SMF depth was 1.3 mm, while the maximum was 5.9 mm. The mean SMF depth was calculated as 3.58 ± 0.83 mm on the right side and 3.44 ± 0.85 mm on the left side. The most frequent anatomical presentation bilaterally was the SMF located superior to the mandibular canal, whereas the least frequent presentation was the SMF positioned inferior to the mandibular canal.
Conclusion: According to the measurements, the greatest SMF depth in the majority of cases was observed adjacent to the second molar, with a progressive decrease in SMF depth toward the mental foramen.

Highlights

Mahshid Razavi: Google Scholar , PubMed

Saeed shirafkan: Google Scholar , PubMed

Keywords
Submandibular
Gland Fossa
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Subjects
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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 44, Issue 860
4th Week, June
May and June 2026
Pages 675-683

  • Receive Date 20 June 2026
  • Accept Date 11 July 2026