Abstract:

Objective To investigate the labial alveolar bone thickness of maxillary incisors and mesiodistal space in the maxillary adjacent central and lateral incisors based on cone beam computed tomography(CBCT) image data, and provide reference for aesthetic implantation in cases of consecutive missing maxillary incisors. Methods CBCT image data of 619 patients were selected in this study.The labial alveolar bone thickness of maxillary incisors as well as the mesiodistal space in the maxillary adjacent central and lateral incisors were measured at three millimeters apical to the cementoenamel junctio, followed by statistical analysis. Results The labial alveolar bone thickness at the maxillary central incisor and lateral incisor locations was (1.03±0.32)mm and (0.96±0.36)mm, respectively, with central incisors having greater thickness than lateral incisors. The mesiodistal space in the maxillary adjacent central and lateral incisors was (15.94±1.18)mm, with males (16.31±1.13)mm exhibiting slightly greater space than females (15.59±1.12)mm, showing no left-right positional differences. Among these, 5.01% failed to satisfy a space of 14 mm. Conclusion The majority of maxillary incisors fail to meet the ideal thickness requirements of labial alveolar bone for implantation, necessitating bone augmentation surgery. For the maxillary adjacent central and lateral incisors, approximately 5.01% of the mesiodistal spaces fail to meet the essential horizontal distance for the placement of two implants. In such situations after tooth loss, it is recommended to place only one implant in the region of the central incisor and aprosthetic restoration consisting of an implant crown on this implant connected with a cantilever at the position of the lateral incisor for long-term aesthetic results.

Key words: maxillary incisor, dental implant, labial alveolar bone thickness, mesiodistal space