A Study to Determine the Accuracy of Various Clinical Techniques of Ridge Mapping before Implant Fixture Placement

The most important parameter to assess prior to implant fixture placement is the available bone width. Radiographic techniques have been found to be inadequate in providing this valuable information, unlike clinical techniques. The purpose of the present study was to determine the accuracy of various clinical techniques of ridge mapping before implant fixture placement.

Ten patients with at least two missing teeth adjacent to each other were selected for the study. Direct and indirect techniques of ridge mapping were carried out to assess the available bone width.

The data obtained were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's Post Hoc analysis. The results indicate that there is no significant difference between direct and indirect technique of ridge mapping.

Either direct or indirect technique of ridge mapping can be used to assess the width of available bone before implant fixture placement.

Clinical techniques of ridge mapping are handy and can be carried out chairside with ease and less cost and no radiation exposure. Indirect techniques of ridge mapping provide adequate and reliable data regarding bone width just like direct technique. In the absence of a bone mapping caliper, this technique can be used as a diagnostic procedure before implant placement. And during the indirect technique, any material can be utilized with equal efficacy for the fabrication of the guides.