Localization of mandibular canal and assessment of the remaining alveolar bone in posterior segment of the mandible with single missing tooth using cone-beam computed tomography: a cross sectional comparative study

OBJECTIVES Localization of the mandibular canal (MC) and measurement of the height and width of the available alveolar bone at the proposed implant site in the posterior segment of the mandible using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in patients with a single missing tooth. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed where CBCT scans of the patients with a single missing tooth in the posterior segment of the mandible-premolar, I (1st) molar, and II (2nd) molar were used. The scans were assessed using OnDemand3D software (version 1.0; CyberMed Inc., Seoul, Korea) for localization of the MC asnd remaining alveolar bone both vertically (from the superior position of the MC to the crest of the alveolar ridge) and horizontally (buccolingual, 3 mm below the crest of the alveolar ridge). The findings were statistically analyzed using independent t-test. RESULTS A total of 120 mandibular sites (40 sites for each of the three missing premolar, I molar, and II molar) from 91 CBCT scans were analyzed. The average heights (from the alveolar crest to the superior margin of the MC) at the premolar, I molar, and II molar areas were 15.19±2.12 mm, 14.53±2.34 mm, and 14.21±2.23 mm, respectively. The average widths, measured 3 mm below the crest of the alveolar ridge, at the premolar, I molar, and II molar areas were 6.22±1.96 mm, 6.51±1.75 mm, and 7.60±2.08 mm, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between males and females regarding the vertical and horizontal measurements of the alveolar ridges. CONCLUSION In the study, the measurements were averaged separately for each of the single missing teeth (premolar, I molar, or II molar), giving more accurate information for dental implant placement.