Distribution of Posterior Superior Alveolar Artery in a North Indian Population - A Retrospective CBCT Study

Background and Aim: The purpose of the present retrospective study was to characterize the Prevalence, Shape, Diameter and Measurement of distance from the sinus and alveolar crest of Posterior Superior Alveolar Artery (PSAA) in north India population with Cone Beam Computed Tomography and to emphasize its importance for any surgical procedure. Materials and Methods: Fifty high quality maxillary CBCT scan of the patients undergoing sinus augmentation procedure or implant therapy were included in the study. The visibility of the PSAA on the CBCT examinations were made using Care stream software version 5.1 Dental LLC, Atlanta, GA, USA. The data of the CBCT images were sliced in coronal and cross section. CBCT images were evaluated to assess the shape, diameter of intrabony indentation and to measure the distance of PSAA from alveolar crest and sinus in relation to first maxillary molar. Result: Out of 50 patients scan, 32 were females (64 %) and 18 males (36 %) patient of age 14- 77 yrs which were further divided into two age groups first group between 14-46yrs (50 %) and second between 47-77yrs (50 %). Maximum 22 scans (44 %) showed type I shape and out of 22 maximum scans were observed in second age group. When diameter of the arteries were classified, 68 % of the artery was