Assessing Alveolar Bone Height and Thickness using Cone Beam Computed Tomography: Are Looks Deceiving?

In orthodontic treatment planning and assessment of results, an important consideration is the extent of bone supporting the teeth. With the advent of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), images of alveolar bone facial and lingual to roots of teeth can be readily created. In these regions bone thickness varies and in areas where bone is thin, limits of CBCT imaging capabilities are approached. This lecture will focus on results from cadaver and clinical studies where alveolar bone height and thickness was assessed by CBCT and by direct observation. The findings will be relevant to interpreting clinical assessments of alveolar bone using CBCT imaging.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze variations in settings used in acquiring CBCT images and how these impact imaging of thin alveolar bone.
• Recognize considerations in interpreting CBCT images of alveolar bone based on results of cadaver and clinical investigations.
• Recognize research results on changes in alveolar bone height accompanying orthodontic treatment.