Cone-beam computed tomography assessment of the buccal bone thickness in anterior maxillary and mandibular teeth

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of this study was to assess the buccal bone thickness in anterior maxillary and mandibular teeth and to provide information important during immediate implant placement. Material and Methods. The study included 245 cone-beam computed tomography scans. The buccal bone thickness was measured in the sagittal plane of the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth at five points (M1 - M5) (2 mm apart), starting 2 mm from the cementoenamel junction in the coronal to apical position along the roots. Results. The lowest mean buccal bone thickness was observed at M1 point in all teeth in both jaws while the highest mean buccal bone thickness was observed at M4 (maxilla) and M5 (mandible). An increase of the buccal bone thickness was established at every subsequent measurement point perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth (p < 0.001). The buccal bone thickness was less than 1 mm in more than 60% of all teeth in the maxilla and mandible at all measurement points. A statistically significant difference in the thickness of the buccal bone in relation to the patients? age was found at all measurement points, except at M4 point of the anterior teeth of the maxilla (p = 0.456) and mandible (p = 0.109). Conclusion. The buccal bone thickness in anterior maxillary and mandibular teeth is less than 1 mm in more than 60% at all measurement points. The buccal bone thickness tends to increase from a coronal to apical position along the roots.