Mandibular alveolar bone dehiscences and fenestrations: a CT evaluation of 600 teeth in an Italian caucasian population

Aim: The use of a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to measure horizontal width of facial alveolar bone overlying healthy mandibular incisors and canines to determine prevalence of alveolar bone dehiscences and fenestrations. Material and Methods: 100 systemically healthy patients, aged between 18 and 30 years were selected. The thickness of the facial bone in sagittal scansions were measured perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth at two locations: 2 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction and at the middle of the root. iCAT software primary and secondary reconstructions of the data were performed. Results: Dehiscences have shown a mean value of 6.78  1.90 mm whereas fenestrations of 4.89  1.74 mm.The average bone width at 2 mm was assessed at 0.81  0.23 mm, while at the middle of the root was 0.77  0.28 mm.The over- all prevalence of dehiscences was 89.16%,wherease for fenestra- tion was 5.16%.Dehiscences were more frequent in older (6.87  1.99 mm) and female patients (6.80  1.81 mm).Fene- strations on the contrary were more frequent in younger (4.90  1.73 mm) and male patients (5.11  1.71 mm). Bone width at two mm was thinner in older patients (0.84  0.22 mm) and statistically significant (0.0007) thinner in female patients (0.71  013). Conclusion: CBCT was an effective and convenient tool for identifying and diagnosing fenestrations and dehiscences and for measuring vestibular bone width. The study evidenced high prevalence of a thin facial bone that may contribute to fenestra- tions, dehiscences and soft tissue recessions, which are important in both implant and/or orthodontic treatment planning. CBCT prior to treatment in some cases should be recommended for selecting the proper treatment approach. Poster 159 Aim: The use of a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to measure horizontal width of facial alveolar bone overlying healthy mandibular incisors and canines to determine prevalence of alveolar bone dehiscences and fenestrations. Material and Methods: 100 systemically healthy patients, aged between 18 and 30 years were selected. The thickness of the facial bone in sagittal scansions were measured perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth at two locations: 2 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction and at the middle of the root. iCAT software primary and secondary reconstructions of the data were performed. Results: Dehiscences have shown a mean value of 6.78  1.90 mm whereas fenestrations of 4.89  1.74 mm.The average bone width at 2 mm was assessed at 0.81  0.23 mm, while at the middle of the root was 0.77  0.28 mm.The over- all prevalence of dehiscences was 89.16%,wherease for fenestra- tion was 5.16%.Dehiscences were more frequent in older (6.87  1.99 mm) and female patients (6.80  1.81 mm).Fene- strations on the contrary were more frequent in younger (4.90  1.73 mm) and male patients (5.11  1.71 mm). Bone width at two mm was thinner in older patients (0.84  0.22 mm) and statistically significant (0.0007) thinner in female patients (0.71  013). Conclusion: CBCT was an effective and convenient tool for identifying and diagnosing fenestrations and dehiscences and for measuring vestibular bone width. The study evidenced high prevalence of a thin facial bone that may contribute to fenestra- tions, dehiscences and soft tissue recessions, which are important in both implant and/or orthodontic treatment planning. CBCT prior to treatment in some cases should be recommended for selecting the proper treatment approach.