implants - the journal of oral implantology UK Edition

26 I I clinical _ CBCT implants1_2012 _Implant treatment in the anterior mandible has favourable long-term success rates when compared with other areas of the mouth (Gok- cen-Rohlig et al. 2009). Placement of dental implants in the interforaminal area is consid- ered as a safe and predictable procedure. How- ever, perforation of the lingual cortical plate can result in a profound and potentially life threatening sub-lingual bleed (Bucal 2008). The blood supply to this area is provided by the submental, sublingual and mylohyoid ar- teries which if perforated, may set-off a mas- sive internal haemorrhage in the floor of the mouth. Although rare, this can ultimately cause protrusion of the tongue resulting in airway obstruction and necessitate surgical in- tervention. It has been recommended by Tep- per et al (2001) that CT imaging of this area is warranted to visualise 3D bone anatomy prior to surgery, thereby reducing the possibility of surgical instrumentation of this sensitive area. In this case report I shall show how CBCT coupled with chairside diagnostic imaging has helped plan, simplify and execute implant CBCT assisted Implant Therapy Author_Nilesh R Parmar Fig 1-2_Pre op presentation. Fig. 3_Maximum intensity projection - Sirona Galileos. Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3