Evaluation of Mandibular Ridge Lingual Concavity Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the type and depth of lingual concavity in posterior mandible using pre-treatment CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) images for dental implants. Study Design and Setting: A cross-sectional study was designed and conducted on pre-treatment CBCT scans of 75 patients at Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from February 2018 to November 2018. Methodology: Pre-treatment CBCT scans of 75 patients were selected and following parameters were measured: type of ridge (undercut, parallel, convex), ridge width, ridge height, depth of lingual concavity, concavity angle, and location of the undercut. Data was analyzed using SPSS version .24. Post-stratification Mann-Whitney U test was used for effect modifiers, while Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare study parameters between groups. P value <0.05 was taken as significant. Results: A mean concavity depth of 1.17±1.40 mm was observed while majority (46.7%) of the CBCT images presented with undercut type ridge. No significant difference was observed between males and females for any study parameter. Conclusion: Undercut ridges were frequently observed, posing a threat of lingual perforation during implant placement. Pre-operative assessment of implant site using CBCT can serve as a reliable method to avoid such complications