Cone beam computed tomography as a method of quantitative and qualitative analysis of alveolar crest in the frontal...

New radiographic maxillofacial techniques, cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) are a necessity in the assessment of jaw bone offer to effectively evaluate the treatment.

To quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate anterior mandibular area on CBCT comparing to orthopantomography (OPG).

Fifty-one dental patients, aged between 20 and 77 years, were quantitatively analyzed and 81 dental patients, aged between 20 and 79 years, were qualitatively analyzed. ANOVA and Mann-Whitney tests were used for statistical analyses.

Strong statistical significant differences were recorded between CBCT and OPG assessments for all groups of teeth (p<0.001), when evaluation was performed on distances to mandibular base. When assessing the distance to the incisive canal, the differences were recorded only for the left canine zone. Mean densities of central incisor, lateral incisor and canine regions, were 1,400-1,425 HU, 1,212-1,224 HU, and 1,150-1,175 HU, respectively. There was a marginal statistical evidence that bone density was lower in canine zone comparing to central incisor area (p=0.08).

Measurements on CBCT are more accurate when compared with OPG. Bone density of central incisor region is higher. Therefore, CBCT permits the clinician to have all necessary information when planning dental implants.