CBCT Based Assessment of First Molar Inclination in Adult Subjects

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The ideal buccolingual (BL) inclination of posterior dentition allows maximum intercuspation and avoids occlusal interferences at rest and during jaw movements. Therefore the objective of present study was to evaluate the BL inclination of upper and lower first molars in adult patients. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 52 subjects visited dental clinics. The evaluation of BL inclination of maxillary and mandibular first molars was done using CBCT images on Galaxis/Galileos implant viewer software. After sagittal orientation, the angle was measured on the tranverse plane from long axis of tooth to the vertical line drawn perpendicular to horizontal reference plane. RESULTS: Mandibular first molars were found to be lingually inclined with mean value of 14.07°±4.49°. Similarly, mean buccalinclination of maxillary first molars was found to be 9.42°±6.70°. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded from this study that maxillary molars are buccally incline over the basal bone whereas, mandibular molars are lingually inclined. KEYWORDS: Molar, maxilla, mandible, torque