Measurement of buccal cortical plate thickness in the mandible of dentate adults in an Iranian population using cone-beam computed tomography

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to measure the buccal cortical plate thickness in the mandible of
 dentate adults in an Iranian population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
 Materials and Methods: Eighty CBCT images were evaluated in this study using NNT
 Viewer 6.0 software. Images had high-resolution and had been taken by NewTom CBCT scanner
 with 11 x 8cm field of view. Measurements were made using the digital ruler of the software with
 0.1mm accuracy. All analyses were performed by two observers: an oral and maxillofacial radiologist
 and a general dentist. In case of disagreement between the observers, measurements were
 repeated and the mean value was used for analysis. Data were analyzed by using linear regression.
 Results: The results showed that the thickness of buccal cortical plate increased from the canine
 towards the second molar site. The second molar site had the greatest density and thickness. Gender
 had a significant effect on the thickness of buccal cortical plate (P<0.05) but the effect of right/
 left quadrant was not significant (P>0.05). The effect of age on this thickness was insignificant in
 some (P>0.05) and significant (P<0.05) in some other areas such that by an increase in age of patients,
 this thickness decreased (i.e. at the apex of canine, second premolar and second molar teeth).
 Conclusion: The buccal cortical plate thickness of the mandible increases from the anterior
 towards the posterior region, and the second molar area has the greatest thickness and density
 suitable for placement of orthodontic mini-implants or harvesting autogenous grafts.