Three-dimensional tomographic mapping related to primary stability and structural miniscrew characteristics

Structured Abstract Authors - Silvestrini Biavati A, Tecco S, Migliorati M, Festa F, Marzo G, Gherlone E, Tete S Objectives - To evaluate the maxilla, mandible, and cortical plates on computerized tomographic (CT) scans to achieve accurate three-dimensional bone thickness measurements. Setting and Sample Population - We selected the CT scans of 25 subjects (among 102), aged 18-58 years (10 men, 15 women), with nearly complete dentition. Material and Methods - We performed interradicular and bucco-lingual (including cortical plate thickness) measurements in dental areas distal to the canines in both alveolar arches, at three levels (5, 8, and 11 mm) from the alveolar ridge. Results - The mean thicknesses of the cortical plates in the maxilla were 1.10 mm buccally and 1.27 mm on the palatal side (p < 0.05). In the mandible, cortical plates were 2.23 mm buccally and 2.02 mm lingually. Mandibular buccal and lingual cortical plates became thicker distally in the second and third molar areas. There was considerable variation in cortical thickness (from 0.25 to 5.50 mm). Based on interradicular distances, only 13% of measured sites in the maxilla were suitable for miniscrew insertion (>= 3.3 mm), but 63% of sites were suitable in the mandible. Conclusion - This study showed considerable individual variation in bone thickness. Our data suggested that the palatal/lingual side may provide greater primary stability for miniscrews. The palatal area, between the second upper bicuspid and the first molar, appeared to be the most suitable area for tapered 7- to 9-mm miniscrews, starting at 1.5-2 mm from the alveolar crest.