Marginal Bone Level and Bone Quality Evaluation Using CBCT after Functional Loading around Dental Implant in the Population of Bhubaneswar, Odisha: A Longitudinal Study

Introduction: The importance of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in the field of Implant Planning is a rapidly emerging imaging modality for the purpose of implant planning. Having the obvious benefits over the conventional methods of radiography, CBCT by far is the most promising aid in the efficient implant-supported prosthetic field.

Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the bone density and the height and width around dental implants and compare it to that of the edentulous space before placing the implant.

Materials and Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology of Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences, Bhubaneswar. A total of 20 subjects from the CBCT database of the department with a single posterior edentulous space indicated for implant-supported dental prosthesis were selected. Approval of the Ethical Committee was taken. A pre-implant radiographic assessment was done with the help of CBCT, to evaluate the crestal height, crestal width and bone density, followed by surgical placement of the implant. After 6 months of implant placement, a post-operative radiographic assessment was done to evaluate the same parameters.

Results: The mean difference of pre- and post-implant crestal width was 0.57 (p<0.001), crestal height was 0.5 (p<0.001) and bone density was 58.2 (p<0.001). It was observed that the mean crestal height, width and bone density was higher in the post-operative radiographic assessment compared to the pre-operative radiographic assessment and the difference was statistically significant.

Conclusion: From the given results, it can be concluded that alveolar bone width, height and bone density were significantly improved after implant placement and the osseointegration occurring after implant prosthesis greatly improves the periodontal status of the peri-implant tissues.