CBCT guided morphological assessment of mandibular concavities: A precision implant assessment

Dental implants are commonly used to replace lost teeth and are made of alloplastic materials inserted into oral tissues to support fixed or removable prostheses. The extraction of molars due to dental issues often leads to dentition defects, making implant treatment a standard solution. Accurate bone assessment at the implant site through clinical examination and radiographic imaging is crucial for successful outcomes. Key factors include the implant's position, angulation, and its relationship to vital anatomical structures. Techniques such as palpation, X-rays, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) are employed to evaluate bone dimensions and morphology. Osseointegration of implants is generally reliable, but precise planning is needed, especially in the posterior mandible where anatomical constraints and risks are higher, including potential nerve damage and arterial trauma. The submandibular and sublingual regions pose additional challenges due to their anatomical features. Methods like palpation and calipers have limitations, while CBCT offers high-resolution images and is preferred for its accuracy and lower radiation dose. This study aims to evaluate mandibular lingual concavities using CBCT to enhance implant placement precision. Patient CBCT data were retrospectively collected from a private dental institute for reports dated between April 2023 and June 2023, with ethical approval from the Ethics Review Board. Patients CBCT whose age was above 20 years were included. A total of 280 implant sites in the molar region of the mandible were examined across 250 patients, with 173 (61.7%) being male and 107 (38.2%) female. All patients were over 20 years old, with the highest number of cases in the 41-50 years age group (51.6%). Of the examined sites, 56.8% exhibited an undercut. Lingual undercuts are frequently encountered in the edentulous mandible. Cross-sectional three-dimensional radiographs are effective in identifying these undercuts and preventing complications such as perforation of the lingual cortical bone.