Measurement Of Thickness Of The Facial Bone Wall Of Maxillary Anterior Teeth And Premolars On Cone Beam Computed Tomography Images

Objective:To analyze the thickness of the facial bone wall of maxillary anterior teeth and premolars based on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.Methods:CBCT images from118patients were selected from the Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Zhejiang University. The thickness of the facial bone wall was measured perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth at two locations:4mm apical to the cementoenamel junction (point1) and the middle of the root (point2).Results:The thickness of the facial bone walls of central incisors, lateral incisors and canines was mainly found between0.5and1.5mm. A thin facial bone wall (<1.0mm) was quite frequent in central incisors (44.1%at point1,56.8%at point2), lateral incisors (64.2%at point1,89.8%at point2) and canines (45.8%at point1,61.0%at point2). In contrast, the majority of examined first premolars (77.1%at point1,68.7%at point2) and second premolars(94.1%at point1,94.1%at point2) exhibited a thick facial bone wall (>1.0mm). Conclusion:A thin facial bone wall at teeth in the anterior maxilla is commonly encountered. Radiographic analysis of the facial bone wall using CBCT prior to operation is recommended for selection of the appropriate treatment approach.