Assessment of Cortical Bone Density for Orthodontic Implants Placement: Computerized tomography study

Abstract

Aims: The aims of this study were to investigate the bone density in the buccal surface of the maxilla and mandible and to assess the gender difference. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using computed tomography images for the 46 subjects (25 males and 21 females). Based on computed tomography data, the mean bone density values in Hounsfield units were recorded at 4 different locations from the crest of alveolar bone. Results: The bone density ranged from 795.72- 975.16 Hounsfield units in the maxilla and 837.58- 1339.28 Hounsfield units in the mandible for male and from 742.93- 992.14 and 769.67- 1342.31 Hounsfield units in the maxilla and mandible for female respectively. It was found that the mandibular posterior bone had the highest cortical bone in both sexes, followed by, mandibular anterior, maxillary posterior and maxillary anterior areas in male. In female, the sequence of bone density from highest to lowest was maxillary posterior bone, maxillary anterior and mandibular anterior areas. There was significant difference between males and females in some locations with higher bone densities in males (p<0.05). Conclusions: Bone densities in the buccal maxillary and mandibular areas were presented. They were ranged between 742.93- 1342.31 Hounsfield units in various areas. These data can be used in dental implant treatment planning to avoid associated risk factors

Keywords

• bone density
• computed tomography
• implant