Relationship between alveolar bone thickness, tooth root morphology, and sagittal skeletal pattern : A cone beam...

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Dental Anthropology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Background:

• Sagittal facial patterns influence craniofacial structures.
• Alveolar bone thickness is critical for orthodontic treatment success.
• Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides detailed 3D imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between sagittal facial patterns and alveolar bone thickness.
• To assess the correlation between facial patterns, root morphology, and bone dimensions.
• To utilize CBCT for precise measurements of alveolar bone and root structures.

Main Methods:

• CBCT scans from 60 patients (20 each of skeletal classes 1, 2, and 3) were analyzed.
• Measurements included root length, root width, buccal cortical bone, cancellous bone, and lingual cortical bone thickness.
• Statistical analysis employed ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis H, and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in root length, root width, or cortical bone thickness were found across skeletal classes.
• Skeletal class 2 patients showed significantly greater cancellous bone thickness.
• Mandibular bone was thicker than maxillary bone; posterior buccal bone was thicker than anterior buccal bone.

Conclusions:

• Cancellous bone thickness varies significantly with sagittal facial pattern.
• Cortical bone thickness differs between anterior and posterior alveolar regions.
• These variations must be considered in orthodontic treatment planning, especially for tooth movement and anchorage.