Assessing the frequency of deep lingual concavities in 826 posterior mandible sockets

PURPOSE To evaluate the frequency of deep lingual concavities in the lower jaw, which can cause surgical complications while inserting dental implants. METHODS Cross-sections of the mandible alveolar ridge at the edentulous sockets were obtained via cone-beam computed tomography. Measurements were carried out using the freeware 'IC Measure' and based on the basic definitions of a previous study. RESULTS Most (767/826 = 93%) sockets had concavities of various degrees (30-90°), while 59 (7%) sockets had no concavity. However, the majority of the concavities (71%) were mild, with angles > 60°. The other 220 (26%) sockets had deeper concavities of