Abstract
BACKGROUND: Anatomic variations can make placing implants in the mandible more complex. Exploring the variation in the presence of ridges and lingual concavity among different races and ethnicities is of therapeutic significance. The current study evaluates the prevalence and size of mandibular lingual concavity, which can cause surgical complications while inserting dental implants in the mandibular first molar area. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty-six cross-section images of the edentulous first molar region were examined. Within this geographical area, the structure of the lower jaw was categorized into three distinct types: C-configuration (convex), P-configuration (parallel), and U-configuration (with an undercut). The study was conducted at IAU College of Dentistry, Dammam. Data was gathered on the depth of the lingual concavity, the angle of the concavity, and other relevant factors. The data were analyzed with SPSS 20. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Of 256 subjects included in the study, 144 were males (M), and 112 were females (F). Various variables measured complimenting the lingual concavity showed no difference between the genders, except for the VCB "The vertical distance from the alveolar crest to line A" (p-value = 0.005). The division of ridges morphology as a whole was as follows: Convex (C), 70 (27.34 %), Parallel (P) 51 (19.92 %), and Undercut (U) type, 135 (52.73 %). The angle of concavity was 69.28 ± 14.41 % (M) and 67.09 ± 13.04 %. (F). Angle depth was 2.40 ± 1.72 % (M) and 2.36 ± 1.46 % (F); together, 2.38 ± 1.6 %. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that U-type ridges were predominant (52.73%) with more chances of occurrence of lingual concavity. There were no differences between the genders except in one parameter. (VCB) Further studies are required to explore lingual concavity in more detail.