Anatomic Situation of Posterior Superior Alveolar Artery in Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Images in Maxillary Molar Region

Introduction: Bleeding is an important complication during implant placement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomic situation of the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images in maxillary molar region in an Iranian population. 
Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, CBCT scans of the edentulous regions of the posterior maxilla were participants to examine the location and anatomical features of the PSAA. 300 CBCT scans of patients with the mean age of 48.79 years were used. The CBCT scans had been obtained by Scanora 3D (Soredex, Tuusula, Finland). The diameter and the PSAA distance to the alveolar crest was measured by OnDemand 3D software on cross sectional and coronal sections. Data were analyzed through the Chi-Square, T-Test, ANOVA and Exact Fisher tests using the SPSS software (version 23). 
Results: Out of 300 images, the PSAA was observed in 203 (67.6%) ones. The artery was slightly more observable in males (68.8%) compared to females (66.4%). Although the difference was not significant (p-value: 0.711). The mean artery diameter and distance to alveolar crest were higher in males (1.33±0.64 mm; 18.016±4.78 mm, respectively) compared to females (1.12 ±0.47 mm; 17.885±4.31 mm). Only the difference between the diameters was significant (p-value: 0.008). 
Conclusion: According to this study, with the increase of age, the diameter and distance of the artery to bone crest decreases. The mean artery diameter and distance to bone crest is higher in males compared to females.