Morphometric analysis of the anterior region of the maxillary bone for immediate implant placement using micro-CT

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the relationship between the maxillary incisor roots and surrounding alveolar structures using microscopic computerized tomography (micro-CT) for the immediate implant placement. Nineteen maxillae from 14 Korean cadavers were used in this study. All specimens were scanned and reconstructed into a three-dimensional (3D) structure using a micro-CT system. The roots of the maxillary central and lateral incisors became dramatically narrower from 6 mm above the cementoenamel junctions to the apex. The roots of the maxillary incisors and canine were located at the labial one fifths region of the alveolar bone. The angle formed by the longitudinal root axis and the alveolar bone was greatest at the maxillary canine. On the basis of the results of this study, guidelines for immediate implant placement can be suggested on the implant diameter and drilling angle to minimize damage of the alveolar plate.