In maxillary posterior implant surgery, what is the most likely source of profuse bleeding when an incision is made just off the crest of the ridge?

In maxillary posterior implant surgery, when an incision is made just off the crest of the ridge, the greater palatine artery is the structure most likely to be a source of profuse bleeding. This artery runs horizontally along the hard palate and provides blood supply to the posterior maxilla.

When incisions are made too close to the midline or the crest of the ridge in the posterior maxillary region, there is a risk of inadvertently cutting into the greater palatine artery, leading to significant bleeding. The location of this artery makes it particularly vulnerable during procedures that involve incisions in that area, especially when working in proximity to the palatine tissues.

In contrast, while the nasopalatine artery, external maxillary artery, and infraorbital artery may have varying roles in supplying blood to adjacent regions, they are not as directly related to the immediate area of incision in the posterior maxilla as the greater palatine artery. The nasopalatine artery primarily supplies the incisive papilla and anterior maxilla, the external maxillary artery primarily serves the mandible and soft tissues of the face, and the infraorbital artery supplies the midface area. Therefore, the likelihood of profuse bleeding is significantly higher from the greater palatine