Quantitative evaluation of trabecular bone density and bone height in different regions of edentulous maxillae according to age and sex

Introduction

In edentulous maxillae, bone quantity and quality are crucial factors for implant treatment planning and success. This study aimed to assess variations in trabecular bone density (TBD) and bone height in different regions of the edentulous maxilla, according to sex and age.

Materials and methods

100 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) from edentulous maxilla were analyzed. Six virtual implants were planned between the maxillary sinuses at incisor, canine, and premolar sites. Virtual implant lengths were selected according to available bone volume and used to estimate bone height. TBD was recorded in Hounsfield Units (HU) at the center of the apex of each virtual implant. The two-sample t-test compared the mean TBD and the mean virtual implant length between males and females. The Spearman correlation coefficient analyzed the correlation between mean TBD and age, and the correlation between mean TBD and mean virtual implant length. The significance level was set at 5 %.

Results

In males, mean TBD and mean implant length were significantly higher than in females (P = 0.033 and P = 0.003). In females, there was a negative significant correlation between mean TBD and age (rho = -0.352, P = 0.022), and between mean TBD and mean implant length (rho = - 0.425, P = 0.005).

Discussion

Variations in TBD and bone height within the edentulous maxilla are related to sex. Older edentulous women are more susceptible to present low TBD and low bone height in anterior maxilla, which may influence therapeutic choices to achieve implant success.