CBCT dual-center investigation of relationship between the inferior alveolar canal and the lingual mandibular depression of the submandibular salivary glands

Abstract

Abstract This study meticulously examined the depth of the lingual concavity (LCD) in the posterior part of the mandible and its relationship with the inferior alveolar canal (IAC), using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The results were then compared across different sides, sexes, age groups, and ethnic backgrounds. A cross-sectional study was conducted, analyzing 200 CBCT scans, with 100 scans from Iraq and 100 from Syria. The location of the deepest LC was carefully examined in relation to the IAC and categorized into three groups: above the canal, at the same level as the canal, and below the canal. The statistical analyses were performed with thoroughness and precision using SPSS version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The study revealed a significant relationship between the deepest LCD and the sides. Notably, the deepest LCD showed significant differences with age groups on the right side ( p  0.026). The LC was found to be deeper in Syria (2.05 mm) for both sides, compared to Iraq, where it was 1.8 mm on the right and 1.6 mm on the left. The left and right sides of the LC were found to have different depths, with the right side being deeper than the left. The deepest part of the fossa was discovered to be at the level of the mandibular canal on the left side.