Abstract
With the advancement of dental surgical procedures, it is critical that the dental surgeon identify the anatomy surrounding the surgical area. The anatomy of the oral cavity and surrounding regions become extremely important to dentists for successful placement of dental implants. Dental implants are becoming more popular and are commonly placed by specialists and dentists around the world. The purpose of this thesis is to help identify the anatomy of the oral cavity and surrounding regions so potential complications can be minimized during implant surgery. The focus will be primarily on the maxillary artery and its branches, maxillary division of trigeminal nerve (CN V2), mandibular division of trigeminal nerve (CN V3), and several muscles associated with the oral cavity. Cadaveric photographs and cone beam computed tomography scans (CBCT) are used to help demonstrate the pathway of arteries and nerves within the osseous anatomy. CBCT scans will help clinicians have a better understanding of the anatomical structures when performing dental procedures specifically dental implants. Thorough understanding of the anatomy gives the dentist the confidence to restore function, esthetics, and health to their patients. This thesis does not attempt to discuss every blood vessel, nerve, and muscle found in the oral cavity; however, it does focus on the typical pathway of oral anatomy that could be encountered during dental implant surgery.