Evaluation of submandibular gland and submandibular fossa: a combined cone beam computed tomography and ultrasound study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to use Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to evaluate the submandibular fossa (SF) morphometrically and ultrasonography (USG) to evaluate the submandibular gland (SG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiological evaluation was performed on 40 SFs and SGs from 20 patients. The depth and width of the SF were measured on axial CBCT sections, while the anteroposterior, medio-lateral, and supero-inferior lengths and volumes of the SGs were measured by USG. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate CBCT and USG measurements. RESULTS: The study found a statistically significant positive correlation between SF depth and SG medio-lateral dimension (p = 0.023), SF width and SG antero-posterior dimension (p = 0.021), and SF width and SG volume (p = 0.000). However, there was no significant correlation between SF depth and SG volume (p=0.146). CONCLUSION: The SF is an important area in surgical procedures planned in the mandibular posterior region, especially in implant applications. The dimensions of the SF are closely related to the dimensions of the SG. USG can be used to examine the SG without the risk of ionizing radiation.