CBCT analysis of cortical and corticocancellous bone of mandible at apical area of teeth

Background: Thickness of bone is an important factor in many surgical procedures like miniplate screw fixation in fracture of jaw, dental implant placement and endodontic surgeries. CBCT imaging is more reliable and precise in assessment of buccal alveolar bone dimensions at apical areas of mandible for precise placement of these hardware and performing periapical surgeries. Aim: To evaluate the cortical bone thickness in adult mandibular bone at the level of apices of various teeth and the total thickness of corticocancellous bone at the same level in Pakistani patients, to facilitate clinicians in planning the procedures preoperatively. Methods: Seventy CBCT scans were selected for study, which were available in the department of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery from period of Jan 2018 to Jan 2020. All scans were done with the same protocol using Planmeca Romexis 3D max version 5.2R in 12-bit grayscale and a voxel size of 0.3 mm. A digital scale was used to measure mandibular buccal cortical bone thickness and buccal bone thickness at the level of root apices. Results: Thickness of the cortical bone increases from anterior to posterior aspect of mandible gradually. Buccal bone thickness also increases from central incisor region to second molar area except at the level of second premolar. Conclusion: Buccal alveolar bone thickness at the level of teeth root apices can vary among populations. Thickest buccal bone is present in the area of the second molar, where longer implants and screws can be used. (author)