CBCT Bone Volume Assessment
Cone-beam CT gives a full 3D map of jaw bone before planning.
- CBCT: Scan type (Cone-beam computed tomography)
- 0.1–0.3mm: Voxel size (Typical implant-planning resolution)
- Low: Radiation dose (Compared to medical CT)
- 3D volume: Output (Sliceable in any plane)
Why 3D volume matters
A short placeholder: CBCT reveals ridge shape unseen on 2D X-rays.
Bone Height and Width Measurement
Digital calipers on CBCT slices set the usable implant envelope.
- ~8mm: Min height (Typical safe threshold)
- ~5mm: Min width (Ridge width guideline)
- 1.5–2mm: Safety margin (From nerve/sinus)
- Cross-section: Measured on (Buccal-lingual slice)
Measuring the ridge
Short placeholder: height and width gate which implant sizes fit safely.
Bone Density (D1–D4) Classification
Hounsfield-derived density sorts bone quality into four classes.
- Dense cortical: D1 (Highest stability)
- Dense trabecular: D2 (Good stability)
- Porous trabecular: D3 (Reduced stability)
- Sparse trabecular: D4 (Lowest stability)
Density and stability
Short placeholder: denser bone gives higher primary implant stability.
Implant Size and Angulation Planning
Virtual fixture placement matches length and angle to the bone.
- 6–16mm: Length range (Common implant lengths)
- 3–6mm: Diameter range (Common implant widths)
- ~30°: Max tilt (To avoid vital structures)
- Surgical guide: Guide type (3D-printed from plan)
Planning placement
Short placeholder: angulation avoids nerves while keeping load axis ideal.
Bone Grafting Need Determination
Deficient height or width triggers a graft augmentation plan.
- Autograft/allograft: Graft types (Common material sources)
- 4–9 months: Healing time (Before implant loading)
- If needed: Sinus lift (For posterior maxilla)
- >90%: Success rate (With proper grafting)
Deciding on grafting
Short placeholder: low height or density often calls for augmentation first.
Short placeholder: adequate bone volume is the single biggest predictor of implant success.