Evaluation of submandibular fossa depth and morphology using cone-beam computed tomography: a correlation with alveolar bone height and edentulism

Year 2026, Volume: 7 Issue: 1, 121 - 127, 20.02.2026

Elif Çelebi , Melis Haydarpaşa

https://izlik.org/JA73GA28UD

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the morphology of the submandibular fossa (SF) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to determine its relationship with alveolar bone dimensions and edentulism.
Methods: A total of 116 CBCT scans of patients aged 18 years or older were retrospectively analyzed. SF height, SF depth, lingual concavity angle, alveolar bone height, and alveolar bone width were measured bilaterally on coronal CBCT sections at the site of maximum SF depth. Comparisons between sides, sexes, and dentate versus edentulous regions were performed, and correlations between age, SF parameters, and alveolar bone dimensions were analyzed.
Results: Linear dimensions of the SF and alveolar bone demonstrated bilateral symmetry, whereas the lingual concavity angle was significantly greater on the left side (p<0.01). Male patients exhibited significantly greater SF depth, alveolar bone height, and alveolar bone width compared with females (p<0.01). Increasing age was significantly correlated with reductions in alveolar bone height, alveolar bone width, SF height, and SF depth (p<0.01). Tooth loss was associated with marked reductions in alveolar bone height and alveolar bone (p<0.01). However, edentulism did not show an independent association with SF depth after adjustment for confounding factors (p>0.05).
Conclusion: SF depth and alveolar bone dimensions are significantly influenced by sex and age, while tooth loss is primarily associated with reductions in alveolar bone dimensions rather than independent changes in SF depth. These findings should be interpreted as providing anatomical insight that enhances risk awareness and supports careful preoperative evaluation of the posterior mandible, particularly in elderly and edentulous patients.

Keywords

Submandibular fossa , lingual concavity , cone-beam computed tomography , dental implant planning

Ethical Statement

The study was initiated with the approval of the Bahçeşehir University Ethics Committee (Decision No. 2025-12/02).

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