Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography Angle for Predicting the Outcome of Horizontal Bone Augmentation

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Periodontology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Buccal dehiscence defects pose challenges in dental implant reconstruction.
• The sandwich bone augmentation (SBA) technique is utilized for horizontal bone augmentation.
• Understanding ridge morphology's influence on SBA outcomes is crucial for predictable results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of alveolar ridge morphology on horizontal bone augmentation using the SBA technique.
• To assess bone width changes at various levels apical to the alveolar crest after SBA.
• To identify morphological predictors of successful bone augmentation with SBA.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 26 patients (2008-2011) using the SBA technique.
• Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was employed to measure horizontal bone gain at 4 levels and 3 time points.
• Alveolar ridge morphological characteristics, including crest angulation (CA), were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Overall horizontal bone gain averaged 2.30 ± 2.20 mm after 6 months.
• Membrane use and concavity angulation influenced SBA outcomes.
• A critical crest angulation (CA) of 150° was identified; CA < 150° yielded 4.3 ± 2.2 mm gain, while CA > 150° resulted in 1.3 ± 1.7 mm gain (p=0.001).

Conclusions:

• The SBA technique is a reliable and predictable method for achieving horizontal ridge width augmentation.
• Simultaneous implant placement is feasible with SBA.
• Crest ridge angulation serves as a valuable predictor for bone gain at 9 mm apical to the bone crest.