Evaluation of the buccal bone thickness in the anterior maxillary region using cone-beam computed tomography

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the buccal plate thickness of maxillary anterior teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Methodology: This study involved a retrospective analysis of CBCT images from 104 randomly selected patients aged 20–50 years who had not experienced loss of their maxillary central and lateral incisors and canine teeth. The bone thicknesses of six anterior maxillary teeth were measured at 1 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm distances apical to the alveolar bone crest (ABC) and between the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) and ABC for six anterior maxillary teeth. The association between buccal bone plate width and distance from the CEJ to the ABC was examined across genders and among different age groups. Results: The mean buccal bone thicknesses were 1.13 mm, 1.22 mm, and 1.04 mm at distances of 1 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm, respectively. The mean distance from the CEJ to the ABC was 2.09 mm. A negative correlation was observed between age and the distance from the CEJ to the ABC. No correlation was found between buccal bone thickness and gender, and a negative correlation existed between age and buccal bone thickness. Women displayed a significantly lower distance from the CEJ to the ABC compared to men, and a negative correlation between buccal bone thickness and distance from the CEJ to the ABC was present across all tooth groups. Conclusion: This study revealed that the bone width in the maxillary anterior region was remarkably thin. Therefore, achieving the minimum bone thickness of 2 mm necessary for optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes is seldom feasible in this area. Considering these findings, additional research utilizing larger patient cohorts is essential to fully comprehend how age and gender affect buccal bone thickness and CEJ-ABC distance. Additionally, utilizing preoperative CBCT for radiographic analysis to identify risk factors and select the appropriate treatment approach is strongly recommended.   How to cite this article: Sağlıklı A, İpek F. Evaluation of the buccal bone thickness in the anterior maxillary region using cone-beam computed tomography. Int Dent Res 2023;13(S1):1-10. https://doi.org/10.5577/idr.2023.vol13.s1.1   Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.