Quantitative Measurement of Buccal Cortical Bone Thickness in Infrazygomatic Crest Area at Different Alveolar Bone Heights and Insertion Angles of Infrazygomatic Crest Screws: A CBCT Study

Introduction: Skeletal anchorage devices for the efficient orthodontic treatment mechanics can be placed at various interradicular and extraradicular sites intra orally. However, their placement in the infrazygomatic crest area can broaden the horizon of orthodontic treatment. The bone thickness in the infrazygomatic crest (IZC) area can vary at different heights and insertion angles during the placement of IZC screws between maxillary second premolar and second molar region. Aims and objectives: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the variation in bone thickness in the IZC area at different insertion angles along the mesiobuccal root of maxillary first molar and at different heights from the crest of the alveolar bone in the apical direction between maxillary second premolar and second molar region using cone beam computed tomography, so as to determine the best possible site where the bone thickness will be maximum that will suit to a particular size of IZC screw. Materials and Methods: CBCT images of 50 subjects were analyzed by a single observer, the bone thickness in the IZC area was measured and interpreted at different heights from the alveolar crest in the apical direction, that is, 5 mm, 7 mm, 9 mm, 11 mm at six regions between maxillary second premolar and second molar. Bone thickness was also measured at different insertion angles ranging from 55º to 75º to occlusal plane of permanent maxillary first molar along its mesiobuccal root. Results: The bone thickness in the IZC area was 4.5 mm–3.5 mm, when it was measured at different angles ranging from 55º to 75º to the occlusal plane of maxillary first molar along its mesiobuccal root with maximum bone thickness at 75° with a mean ± SD of 4.56 ± 1.4. Statistically significant differences in bone thickness were found between maxillary first and second molar on both right and left sides at different heights with maximum bone thickness at 11 mm apical from the alveolar crest with a mean ± SD of 2.03 ± 0.76 and 1.91 ± 0.88, respectively, and along the mesial root of maxillary second molar on right and left sides at 11 mm apical from the alveolar crest with a mean ± SD of 2.12 ± 0.80 and 1.95 ± 0.75, respectively. Conclusions: The best site and safe zone for miniscrew insertion in IZC area is at 7 mm to 9 mm distance from the alveolar crest apically along the mesial root of maxillary second molar and at an angle of 55°–75º to the occlusal plane of maxillary first molar, so as to ensure the adequate stability of the miniscrew and without causing any damage to the adjacent anatomical structures.