The Occurrence Rate and Diameter of Arteries Traveling Near the Mandible and an Assessment of the Relative Hemorrhage Risk in Implant Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Bleeding in the floor of the mouth during implant surgery is attributed to arterial injuries in the sublingual space. PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the relative hemorrhage risk during implant surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the occurrence rate and diameter of submental and sublingual arteries with special reference to their relationship with the course patterns of these arteries using 26 human cadavers. RESULTS: Three types of arteries were distinguished: main duct (MD), mucoperiosteal branches (MB), and cortical branches (CB). The occurrence rate of MB and CB was significantly high at the central incisor region in the upper part of the mylohyoid muscle, whereas the diameter of the MB and CB was significantly smaller than the occurrence rate of MD at the incisor regions. The occurrence rate of MD in the submental artery was significantly higher at the lateral incisor, canine, and premolar regions in the lower parts, whereas the occurrence rate of MD was significantly lower at the second and third molars in the upper parts. CONCLUSION: The susceptibility of the submental artery to injury is suggested at the incisors, canine, premolars, and first molar regions during implant surgery.