Buccinator Muscle
The buccinator muscle plays an important role in everyday actions like chewing, speaking, and even blowing air. Radiologists may comment on it when evaluating the face and mouth on CT or MRI scans. Understanding the buccinator muscle in imaging can help patients better interpret their reports and discuss their case with their doctors.
What Is the Buccinator Muscle?
The buccinator muscle is a thin, flat muscle located in each cheek. It sits deep to the skin and lies between the upper and lower jaw, running from the back of the mouth toward the lips. Its main jobs are:
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Helping keep food between the teeth while chewing.
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Supporting facial expressions like smiling.
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Assisting with whistling, blowing, or puffing out the cheeks.
Because of its position, the buccinator muscle is closely related to the teeth, salivary glands, and oral cavity.
How the Buccinator Muscle Appears on Imaging
On CT scans, the buccinator muscle appears as a soft tissue band along the inner cheek wall. It usually blends smoothly into surrounding structures unless there is swelling, trauma, or a mass.
On MRI, the buccinator shows as a thin muscle with intermediate signal intensity. Radiologists can evaluate it in detail on T1 and T2 sequences. MRI is particularly useful for detecting subtle inflammation, tumors, or infections that might affect the cheek and oral cavity.
Why the Buccinator Muscle Might Be Noted in a Report
Radiologists typically mention the buccinator muscle when there are changes that need attention. Some common reasons include:
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Infections: Dental abscesses, cellulitis, or deep facial infections can spread to or around the buccinator.
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Tumors: Both benign and malignant growths can develop in or near this muscle, including salivary gland tumors.
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Trauma: Injuries to the face can tear or bruise the buccinator.
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Inflammation: Swelling from dental problems or sinus disease can affect the adjacent cheek muscles.
By identifying whether the buccinator looks normal or abnormal, radiologists guide doctors toward the right treatment.
Buccinator Muscle and Dental Imaging
Dentists and oral surgeons often review imaging of the buccinator area when planning extractions, implants, or treatment for jaw issues. Since this muscle helps keep food in place, damage or scarring can affect chewing efficiency. CT and cone beam CT (CBCT) are commonly used in dental practices to visualize it.
Buccinator Muscle in Head and Neck CT
When a head and neck CT is ordered for issues like swelling, trauma, or suspected cancer, radiologists evaluate the buccinator as part of the larger facial anatomy. A normal buccinator will look like a thin, symmetric structure on both sides of the face. Any thickening, asymmetry, or abnormal density could indicate infection, tumor, or hematoma.
Buccinator Muscle in MRI of the Face
MRI of the face is often requested when cancer or complex infection is suspected. The buccinator is best seen on axial and coronal slices. Radiologists look for:
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Symmetry compared to the opposite side.
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Signal changes that suggest edema or tumor infiltration.
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Extension of disease from the oral cavity or parotid gland.
MRI is the preferred method when more detail is needed than CT can provide.
Clinical Situations Where Buccinator Muscle Imaging Matters
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Dental Abscess Spread: Infections starting in the teeth can spread through the buccinator space, potentially leading to serious complications if untreated.
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Oral Cancer: Tumors of the cheek or gums can directly invade the buccinator muscle, changing treatment and surgery planning.
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Facial Trauma: Imaging helps identify whether the buccinator is torn or injured after an accident.
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Post-Surgical Checks: Surgeons may order imaging to make sure the buccinator has healed properly after operations involving the jaw or oral cavity.
What Patients Should Know
If your report mentions the buccinator muscle, it does not always mean there is a problem. Radiologists may describe it to confirm that it looks normal. When abnormal findings are noted, your doctor will interpret them in the context of your symptoms and overall health.
Conclusion
The buccinator muscle plays an important role in chewing, speaking, and facial movement. On imaging, the muscle can be involved with infections, tumors, and injuries in the cheek and oral cavity. CT and MRI are used by Radiologists to evaluate this muscle and guide further care.
References
https://radiopaedia.org/articles/buccinator-muscle?lang=us
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684993/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546678/