Alveolar Ridge Dimension and Morphology Measurement in Anterior Maxilla for Immediate Implant Treatment Planning:A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study

Background: Implants have been widely used to replace missing teeth. Successful implant treatment depends on proper planning. The height, width, morphology and density of alveolar bone surrounding the implant site is very important for determination of the size of implant. Conventional radiographic techniques have image distortion and superimposition and compromise the accuracy of treatment planning. Cone beam computed tomography provides high resolution and accurate images at low dosage which can be used in implant planning.

Aim: To measure alveolar ridge and buccal undercut dimension at the anterior maxilla to develop treatment planning for immediate implant placement using Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and Method: 80 CBCT scans of subjects with full dentition at right maxilla were taken. Measurements were taken at the cross sectional views in the middle of the maxillary right central incisor, lateral incisor, and canine regions. The parameters measured were alveolar height, alveolar width, buccal undercut location, buccal undercut depth.

Results: There was no significant difference in the alveolar height among the teeth. The mean alveolar widths (mm) were: central incisor, 8.1; lateral incisor, 7.4; canine, 8.9. The lateral incisor had a significantly smaller alveolar width than the other anterior teeth. Among the maxillary anterior teeth 72% of central incisors, 88% of lateral incisors and 51% of canines had buccal undercut. The lateral incisor had the maximum buccal undercut. The buccal undercut depth for central incisor, lateral incisor, canine are 1, 1.61 and 0.91 respectively.

Conclusion: Thus in anterior maxilla lateral incisor has the thinnest alveolar bone and buccal undercut among the other anterior teeth.