Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026
Real-Time Dynamic Navigation System for the Precise Quad-Zygomatic Implant Placement in a Patient with a Severely Atrophic Maxilla
Published on: October 17, 2021
Buccal Bone Thickness Overlying Maxillary Anterior Teeth: A Clinical and Radiographic Prospective Human Study
Joe Khoury1, Nabil Ghosn, Nadim Mokbel
1*Instructor, Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon. †Assistant Professor, Head of Department, Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon. ‡Professor, Dean, Director of Postgraduate Program, Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.
Objectives:
The aim of this work was to measure the facial bone thickness overlying maxillary anterior teeth according to the periodontal biotype, the tooth position, and the bucco-palatal inclination of the tooth.
Materials And Methods:
CBCTs of 47 patients were included. The periodontal biotype and the bucco-palatal inclination were examined for all maxillary anterior teeth as well as the sagittal tooth position according to the classification of Kan et al. Buccal bone thickness was measured at 4, 6, 8, and 10 mm apical to the cement-enamel junction (CEJ).
Results:
At 4 mm from the CEJ, mean buccal bone thickness was 1.0 mm for all teeth and it decreased gradually and significantly in apical direction (6, 8, and 10 mm). A thin biotype was associated with a labial plate thickness half that of a thick biotype at all 4 distances from the CEJ. Class IV of Kan et al classification presented the thinnest facial bone (0.32-0.54 mm), whereas Class III demonstrated the thickest one (1.26-2.09 mm) at all distances from the CEJ. At 10 mm from the CEJ, the facial bone thickness increased with the vestibulo-palatal inclination of the tooth.
Conclusion:
A thin facial bone wall overlies almost all maxillary anterior teeth.
Related Concept Videos
01:08Overview of the Skull
The cranial vault surrounds and protects the brain and houses the middle and inner ear structures. This cavity is bounded superiorly by the rounded top of the skull, which...
01:14Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
01:27Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
01:11Oral Cavity
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or...
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.