A New Classification of Anterior Mandible Edentulous Ridge Based on Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Purpose - Dental implants in the anterior mandible have become increasingly common due to popular prosthetic treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of mandibles from edentulous patients in need of anterior dental implants to present qualitative descriptions in the mental interforaminal region and to present a new classification. Material and Methods - A total of 180 (CBCT) scans of patients requiring implant installation in the anterior mandible for implant assisted overdenture treatment plan were evaluated regarding parameters such as ridge height, width, inclination, and undercuts. All assessments were performed on the cross-sectional images mesial to the mental foramen. Results - The most common ridge morphology was cylindrical (74.1%) followed by atrophic (19.4%) and undercut (6.4%). The prevalence of atrophic ridge was significantly higher in females and ridge with undercut was significantly more detected in males (P < 0.05). D1 and D2 bone types was detected higher in males than in females (P < 0.05). Conclusion - Cylindrical morphology was the most prevalent features of anterior mandible of edentulous patients. A CBCT scan is a useful diagnostic tool providing important information about anatomical structures and morphological variations in the sites of interest.