Applicability of cone beam computed tomography in implant treatment planning in posterior mandible

Cone beam computed tomography is a radiographic method used to measure the bone volume, and to analyze the anatomo-sceletoscopic relations of important anatomical structures in the regions planned for implants.

To investigate the benefits that offers the cone beam computed tomography when planning implants in the mandibular posterior region.

The individuals that participated in the study had absence of at least one tooth in the posterior mandibular region. In the edentulous areas planned for implants, was measured the height and the width of the alveolar ridge, and was analysed for presence of mandibular lingual concavity.

The edentulous alveolar ridge was highest in the left first molar region (14.29 mm.) and lowest in the right second premolar region (12.67 mm.). The width of the alveolar ridge was greatest in the right second molar region (10.48 mm.) and smallest in the right first premolar region (8.72 mm.). The mandibular lingual concavity was more accentuated in the molar areas compared with premolar areas.

The cone beam computed tomography is a safe and precise method, that increases the efficiency and success from implant therapy.