The aim of the study was to analyze the thickness of the facial bone wall at teeth in the anterior maxilla based on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, since this anatomical structure is important for the selection of an appropriate treatment approach in patients undergoing post extraction implant placement.

Three dimensional (3D) images were reconstructed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans from 45 Indian subjects of age group ranging between20-55 years, with a sample size of 90 teeth using On Demand 3D software. The thickness of the facial bone wall in the respective sagittal scan was measured perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth at two locations: at the crest level and at the middle of the root.

Mean thickness of buccal plate 3 mm below CEJ was 0.59 ±0.27mm at central incisor, 0.69 ±0.54 mm at lateral incisor, and 1.05 ±0.75mm at canine. Mean thickness of palatal plate 3 mm below CEJ was 1.23 ±0.45mm of central incisor, 1.04 ±0.59mm of lateral incisor, 1.49 ±0.61 mm of canine. Mesio-distal diameter 3 mm below CEJ was 4.66±0.39mm of central incisor, 4.09±0.45mm of lateral incisor, and 5.27±0.52 mm of canine. Buccal bony curvature angle below root apex was 114 ±16.5at central incisor, 144.0 ±12.9at lateral incisor, 145.0 ±8.9at canine. Distance between root apex and the deepest point of buccal bony curvature of central incisor was 3.49 ±1.17mm at central incisor, 3.49 ±1.17mm at lateral incisor, and 5.51 ±1.66mm at canine.

Conclusion for the study was that, there was a statistically significant increase in facial bone wall thickness from the central incisors to the canine. The facial bone wall in the crestal area of teeth in the anterior maxilla was either missing or thin in roughly all of patients.

Keywords: anterior maxilla, facial bone thickness, implant placement, cone beam computed tomography.

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Dr Ashish Dewangan

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