A Radiographic Study of the Posterior Superior Alveolar Artery

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the differences of the prevalence and diameter of the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) and the distance of its inferior border from the alveolar crest on computed tomography (CT) images according to age and sex. Materials and Methods: CT images of maxilla in 200 patients were randomly selected from patients who underwent CT imaging at Yonsei University Dental Hospital, and analyzed. The prevalence of the PSAA in maxillary sinus and the distance of its inferior border from the alveolar crest in the premolar and molar area were measured. Results: The average prevalence of the PSAA on CT images was 52.0%, and it is higher in males (64%) than in females (40%). The diameter of the PSAA was 1.52 +/- 0.47 mm (mean +/- SD), and larger in males. The distance from the PSAA to the alveolar crest was greater in the premolar area (18.90 +/- 4.21 mm) than in the molar area (15.45 +/- 4.04 mm), and it did not differ significantly with age or sex. Conclusions: The prevalence of the PSAA on CT images was higher, and the diameter was larger in males. The PSAA was more close to the alveolar crest in the molar areas. The evaluation of the PSAA in maxillary sinus on CT images before surgery could reduce the likelihood of excess bleeding during surgery especially in molar areas. (Implant Dent 2011;20:306-310)