Variations in bone quantity in the posterior mandible: a cross-sectional cone beam computed tomographic study

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
• Dental Implantology
• Anatomy

Background:

• Edentulous posterior mandible bone quantity is crucial for dental implant success.
• Understanding anatomical variations is essential for predictable surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess bone quantity variations in the posterior mandible of edentulous patients using CBCT.
• To analyze the influence of age, sex, and region on mandibular bone dimensions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cross-sectional study of 130 CBCT scans from edentulous patients.
• Measurement of crestal, buccal, and lingual cortical bone thickness, ridge height, width, angle, and lingual concavity depth.
• Statistical analysis using independent t test and Pearson correlation, with intraobserver agreement assessment.

Main Results:

• Bone thickness and ridge angle decreased with age; ridge width increased.
• Men exhibited greater buccal/lingual bone thickness, ridge height, ridge angle, and concavity depth.
• Bone dimensions varied significantly across regions relative to the mental foramen.

Conclusions:

• Significant anatomical variations in the edentulous posterior mandible necessitate thorough CBCT evaluation before implant placement.
• Age, sex, and regional factors critically influence mandibular bone morphology relevant to implantology.