Informational content of two-dimensional panoramic radiographs and lateral cephalometric radiographs with respect to the bone volume of intraoral donor regions considering CBCT imaging

Abstract

Abstract

Background To test the hypothesis that cephalometric parameters in two-dimensional routine dental radiographs correlate with the bone volume of intraoral bone donor sites.

Methods One-hundred and eight radiographs [36 panoramic radiographs (PRs), 36 lateral cephalometric radiographs (LCRs), and 36 cone-beam computed tomography scans (CBCT)] of 36 patients (all three imaging techniques applied according to the needs of treatment planning), were analyzed individually. Cephalometric parameters (PR and LCR) were correlated with the bone volume measurement in three-dimensional CBCT scans in three intraoral donor sites (chin, mandibular retromolar region, and zygomatic alveolar crest).

Results

The mean bone volumes measured for the chin were (3.10 ± 1.11 cm³ SD), the mandibular retromolar region (1.66 ± 0.54 cm³ SD), and the zygomatic alveolar crest (0.17 ± 0.04 cm³ SD). Cephalometric parameters were significantly correlated (all p -values < 0.05) with the bone volume in the chin and the mandibular retromolar region. The bone volume of the zygomatic alveolar crest exhibited no correlations ( p > 0.05) with cephalometric parameters. However, it was significantly correlated ( p < 0.01) with the mandibular retromolar bone volume. No gender-specific differences ( p > 0.05) were observed concerning bone volumes in all bone harvesting regions. Nevertheless, the male population’s interforaminal distance in the chin region was significantly higher ( p = 0.001).

Conclusions PRs and LCRs can be used at the initial stage of peri-implant augmentation planning to deduce conclusions about the bone volume in different intraoral bone donor sites. It can help describe indications and justify additional diagnostic options, such as three-dimensional radiologic techniques.