CBCT-Based Radiographic Assessment of Buccal Bone Dehiscence and Fenestration Around Dental Implants in Adolescents
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67440/ahj.v21i6s.1853Keywords:
Adolescents, Buccal bone, CBCT, Cortical bone thickness, Dental implants, Dehiscence, Dental implants, FenestrationAbstract
Background:
The integrity and thickness of the buccal cortical plate are important considerations in dental implant treatment. Defects such as buccal bone dehiscence and fenestration may compromise peri-implant hard-tissue support. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) enables three-dimensional (3D) assessment of these anatomical changes.
Aim:
The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of buccal bone dehiscence and fenestration around dental implants using CBCT and to compare the occurrence of these defects between maxillary and mandibular implant sites.
Materials and Methods:
A total of 100 implant sites were assessed using CBCT images. The sites were evaluated for the presence or absence of buccal bone dehiscence and fenestration. Buccal bone thickness and the dimensions of identified defects were measured using multiplanar CBCT sections. The distribution of defects between maxillary and mandibular sites was also analyzed. Appropriate statistical tests were applied to determine associations and differences between the evaluated parameters.
Results:
Buccal bone dehiscence was identified more frequently in mandibular implant sites than in maxillary sites. Dehiscence was present in 15 of 40 mandibular sites (37.5%) compared with 9 of 60 maxillary sites (15.0%), and the difference was statistically significant. Sites with buccal bone dehiscence demonstrated reduced buccal bone thickness compared with sites without dehiscence. Buccal bone fenestrations were also identified and their dimensions were recorded using CBCT measurements.
Conclusion:
CBCT provides valuable 3D information for identifying and measuring buccal cortical bone defects around dental implants. The greater frequency of dehiscence in mandibular sites and its association with reduced buccal bone thickness emphasize the importance of assessing the facial cortical plate during implant evaluation and treatment planning.
