Cone-beam computed tomography characterization of the intraosseous vascular canal in the lateral wall of the maxillary antrum

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to assess the occurrence, location, and dimensions of the intraosseous vascular canal in the lateral wall of the maxillary antrum using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, we examined 400 CBCT scans from our archive of patients who had earlier reported to a dental teaching hospital in the United Arab Emirates. The prevalence, location, and dimensions of the lateral antral intraosseous canal (LAIC) in the maxillary antrum were evaluated by 2 examiners using standardised methods. A third examiner was consulted in cases of disagreement. Results: The prevalence of LAIC was 62.3% (249 maxillary antra) among the study population. The mean distance between the most inferior point of the alveolar bone and the inferior border of the LAIC in the posterior maxillary region was 19.83 +/- 3.12 mm. There was a significant difference (P=0.05) between the maxillary molar and premolar regions in mean distance from the most inferior point of the alveolar bone and the inferior border of the LAIC. There was no statistically significant difference in mean distance between the most inferior point of the alveolar bone and the inferior border of the LAIC between dentulous and edentulous areas (P=0.1). The G3-intrasinusal type canal less than 1mm in diameter was the most common type of LAIC. Conclusion: This study established the approximate location of the LAIC in a United Arab Emirates cohort, which will assist the oral surgeon in selecting the appropriate site for sinus lift procedures with reduced risk of surgical hemorrhage.