Dimensions and morphology of the alveolar bone in the anterior maxilla in patients with bone resorption: A CBCT assessment

Background: This study aimed to assess the dimensions and morphology of the alveolar bone in the anterior maxilla in patients with bone resorption using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, alveolar bone thickness, magnitude of bone loss, depth and position of buccal undercuts, buccal fenestrations, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the teeth and alveolar bone, and apical bone height in the anterior maxilla were measured on CBCT scans of ۷۲ patients with bone resorption. Statistical analyses were performed using a within-subjects ANOVA, the Bonferroni test, and the Chi-square test (α = ۰.۰۵). Results: The prevalence of mild bone resorption was the highest for all teeth. The undercut depth was the highest for the right canine, followed by the right lateral incisor. Significant differences were found in the mean bone loss in both the buccal (P=۰.۰۲۱) and palatal (P<۰.۰۰۱) surfaces, residual bone thickness at some sites (P<۰.۰۰۱), angulation (P<۰.۰۰۱), apical bone height (P<۰.۰۰۱), presence/absence of undercuts (P=۰.۰۰۶), and fenestration (P<۰.۰۰۱) among the six maxillary anterior teeth. Conclusion: The results revealed differences in the magnitude and severity of bone resorption, residual bone thickness, fenestration, undercuts, angulation of longitudinal tooth axis, and apical bone height among maxillary central and lateral incisors and canine teeth on CBCT scans of patients with bone resorption, which should be taken into account in treatment planning