Description of a technique for evaluation of three-dimensional shape alterations in soft tissue after intra oral bone reconstruction

Equipment from GFMesstechnik, Germany, for three-dimensional (3D) measurements of topography alterations was tested in an intra oral situation. A patient with previous loss of tooth 21 due to trauma planned for local bone grafting procedure together with a titanium mesh and later implant insertion was signed as a trial. Pre- and postoperative measurements of the buccal contour in maxillary anterior region were performed with the 31) equipment and the pictures were evaluated in a software programme. The evaluation showed ability to reproduce numerical volume changes in the buccal soft tissue in the operated area. The contour changes can be displayed as a diagram change as well, with possibility to make numerical calculations. We believe this is an excellent system to use in long-term follow-ups of the soft tissue changes after intra oral reconstructive procedures. The procedure is a rapid, accurate, and harmless procedure and can be performed directly on the patient. (c) 2006 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.