Angulation between Long Axis of Anterior Teeth and Alveolar Process, and Thickness of Alveolar Bone

Yu, Sun Kyoung; Kim, Heeju; Lee, Myoung Hwa; Kim, Seog; Kim, Heung Joong

Abstract

The main aim of dental implant placement on the anterior region is to recover the function and esthetics. Therefore, this study examined the angulation between the long axis of the anterior teeth and the alveolar process, and thickness of the alveolar bone on the anterior region. Twenty-five cadaver heads (18 maxillae and 23 mandibles) were examined (16 male and 9 female, mean: 56.7 years). The angulation between the long axis of the anterior teeth and the alveolar process was measured, and the alveolar bone thickness was measured in the three levels (crest; C, middle; M, apex; A) on the labial and lingual sides. All data was analyzed statistically using one-way ANOVA. The maxillary anterior teeth showed two to three times more lingual inclination than the mandibular teeth. The difference in maxillary alveolar bone thickness on the labial and lingual sides was significant in all levels, particularly in the apex. The mandibular alveolar bone thickness on the labial and lingual side was significantly different only in the apex. In conclusion, the alveolar bone thickness on the anterior region was too thin, and the long axis of the maxillary anterior teeth showed more lingual inclination than the alveolar process. Therefore, clinicians need to be a detailed assessment of the labial alveolar bone for dental implant placement.