The Evaluation of Alveolar-ridge Shape Using CT Reconstruction Images

Abstract

An endosseous implant is useful for the prosthesis of an edenturous jaw. The purpose of this study was an examination of bucco-lingual shape in the CT reconstructed images. The axial crosssectional data obtained were reconstructed as images on the oblique planes perpendicular to a curvature of the dental arch with “DentaScan” program (GE-Yokogawa, Tokyo) . The residual alveolar crest was categorized into six types in shape. The knife-edge shape was observed in 35-40% of upper and lower incisor areas, and the discrepant shape in 32% of lower molar area. These shapes could not be visualized without the sectional images of the alveolar bone. Results indicalte that the CT reconstructed image provides essential information on the presurgical assessment of dental implant.