An anatomical study using CT images for the implantation of micro-implants

Park, Hyo Sang

Abstract

Surgical microscrews were introduced and used as one method to provide absolute anchorage. Some clinicians implanted microscrews or miniscrews into the basal bone below the roots of the teeth to evade damage to the roots. Because the implanted microscrews were positioned too low the applied force was insufficient to retract the anterior teeth or protract the posterior teeth, and the use of microscrews or miniscrews seemed limited in applying vertical force. However Park implanted microscrews(micro-implants (1.2 mm in diameter)) into the alveolar bone between the roots of the posterior teeth to change the direction of the applied force toward increasing horizontal component of the force. Moreover, these microscrew implants were positioned in the alveolar bone between the roots without causing discernable damage to the roots. This study was performed to provide guidelines and anatomic data to assist in the determination of the safe location for micro-implants. By measuring the CT images from 21 patients, anatomical data were obtained which were then used as a guide to determine the location for the implantation of micro-implants. The thickness of the cortical bones at the alveaolar bone region increased from the anterior to the posterior teeth area. The mandibular posterior teeth area showed thicker cortical bone. A greater distance was observed in distance between the second premolar root and first molar root in the upper arch, between the first molar root and the second molar root in the lower arch. The alveolar bone of the posterior teeth area is considered the best site for the implantation of micro-implants.