Determining Favorable Maxillary Implant Locations Using Three-Dimensional Simulation Software and Computed Tomography Data.

PURPOSE: Success rates for maxillary implant treatment are lower than for mandibular treatment because of the presence of poorer bone quality or quantity in the maxilla. The purpose of this study was to determine favorable implant positions in the maxilla using implant simulation software and clinical anatomical morphology together with bone quality data obtained by computed tomography (CT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A convenience research sample of 10 edentulous subjects was recruited, and research information from right and left edentulous sites was obtained from each subject. The height, width, angulation, and Hounsfield unit value of the maxillary alveolar bone were measured using CT data obtained from the subjects.

RESULTS: Bone height in the incisor area was significantly greater than in the molar area, and bone width in the incisor area was significantly narrower than in the molar area. The average bone quality in the maxillary molar area was significantly higher when compared with the premolar and incisor areas. The angle between the occlusal plane and the bisector of the alveolar bone in the incisor area was reduced when compared with the molar area.

CONCLUSION: The premolar region appears to be the most favorable area in the maxillary arch for implant placement with regard to bone height, width, angulation, and quality.