A study on evaluation of trabecular bone density in partially edentulous maxilla

Abstract

Evaluation of local bone density before implant placement plays a crucial role in treatment planning so that predictable successful outcome can be achieved. The aim of this study was to evaluate the trabecular bone density of partially edentulous maxilla using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images of patients who seek for implant treatment in the University of Dental Medicine, Mandalay, Myanmar. Twenty patients (8 males, 12 females; mean age- 43.5 years) with partially edentulous maxilla from the Dental Implant Clinic of Department of Prosthodontics, University of Dental Medicine, Mandalay were included in this study. The trabecular bone density in each implant recipient site of partially edentulous maxilla: anterior maxilla (n=10) and posterior maxilla (n=13) were measured using OnDemand 3D software. Five regions of interest (1mmx1mm each) were determined in each implant recipient site to measure bone density of trabecular bone and the measurements were recorded in Hounsfield units (HU). Mean bone density (±SD) of maxillary trabecular bone was highest in 61 yrs age group (319 ± 205 HU). There was no statistically significant difference within groups (p> 0.05). The mean bone density of male group was 396 ± 185 HU and mean bone density of female group was 321 ± 132 HU respectively. Although bone density seemed to be higher in male than female, the difference was not statistically significant (p> 0.05). The mean bone density of anterior maxilla and posterior maxilla were 439 ± 271 HU and 271 ± 143 HU respectively and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.01). In conclusion, bone density of posterior maxilla in the study population is poor and proper treatment planning for long term success is indicated.