CBCT-Based Anthropometric Evaluation of Edentulous Alveolar Crest Lengths.

Abstract

Objectives: With technological advancements, fabricated block onlay allografts have been developed, particularly for grafting severely resorbed alveolar crests before implant surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the alveolar crest lengths of the edentulous maxilla and mandible using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to investigate their correlations with gender and age. The data obtained will serve as preliminary input for block onlay allograft production. Methods: CBCT scans of 451 participants and 595 edentulous jaws were analyzed. The following measurements were taken: the distance between the zygomatic buttress projection and the infraorbital foramen projection onto the crest (U1, U4); from the infraorbital foramen projection to the incisive canal (U2, U3); between the midpoint of the linea obliqua externa projection and the mental foramen projection (L1, L4); and from the mental foramen projection to the midline at the incisive canal level (L2, L3). Measurements were compared across gender and age groups. Results: No significant differences were observed in maxillary measurements between genders. However, the values of L1, L2, and L4 in males were significantly higher than those in females (p < 0.05). Age did not affect substantially most measurements, except for L4, where individuals over 70 years had lower mean values than those under 50 years (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The mandibular posterior region demonstrated the most prominent residual alveolar crest. Mandibular crest lengths were significantly greater in males. Although age showed a limited impact, a reduction in posterior mandibular crest length was evident in individuals over 70 years compared to younger individuals.