Fenestration and dehiscence defects in maxillary anterior teeth using two classification systems

The primary objective of the study was to assess the buccal bone thickness (BT), evaluate and compare the prevalence of bone fenestration and dehiscence in anterior maxillary teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Images of 300 maxillary anterior teeth were investigated. The BT was measured at the bone crest, 3, 6 and 9 mm from the bone crest, and apical. Fenestration and dehiscence were recorded according to Yang and Pan's classification. Student's t-test and one-way ANOVA were performed for statistical analysis.

Fenestration and dehiscence rates were 35.66% and 20%, respectively. Type III fenestration was higher in group 3 (>65 years) (P = 0.028). Type I and IV fenestration and CII DII dehiscence were more common in canines (P > 0.05). Fenestration involving two-thirds (46.76%) and one-third (44.84%) of the root length was more common. Fenestrations involving the entire root were 8.4%. Most of the dehiscence (63.3%) involved one-third of the root length. Dehiscence involving two-thirds of the root length and the entire root was 5% and 9.95%, respectively. The coexistence of fenestration and dehiscence was 8.3%. Dehiscence on the palatal aspect was detected in 1.65% of the anterior maxilla.

The rate of BT ≤1 mm was 80.08%, and ≥2 mm was 3.66%. Fenestration was most common in canines. Fenestration was mostly located in the apical third, while dehiscence was mostly located in the coronal third. © 2022 Australian Dental Association.