Design of a novel dental bone mapping caliper for chairside ridge assessment: A technical note.

Abstract

Background: Accurate assessment of alveolar ridge width is essential for implant treatment planning. Although cone-beam computed tomography provides detailed three-dimensional information, chairside ridge-mapping techniques remain valuable because of their simplicity, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness.

Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the design, clinical application, and potential advantages of a novel dental bone mapping caliper for transgingival ridge assessment.

Technical description: The proposed instrument incorporates a blunt external reference arm, a controlled transgingival probing tip, a calibrated sliding measurement scale, and an ergonomically designed handle within a single device. The instrument enables direct chairside measurement of alveolar ridge width while improving stabilization and measurement standardization.

Clinical application: The caliper is used during transgingival ridge mapping by positioning the blunt arm against the mucosal surface and advancing the probing tip until cortical bone contact is achieved. Measurements are recorded directly from the calibrated scale.

Discussion: Compared with conventional ridge-mapping methods, the proposed design offers improved operator control, direct measurement recording, enhanced stability, and simplified clinical workflow. However, clinical validation studies are required to determine its accuracy, reproducibility, and patient acceptance.

Conclusion: The novel dental bone mapping caliper represents a practical chairside tool for ridge assessment and may improve the standardization of transgingival bone mapping procedures. Further clinical investigations are necessary to establish its effectiveness relative to existing methods.