A strip free gingival graft and a xenogeneic collagen matrix to increase keratinized tissue after vertical bone augmentation.

PURPOSE: After vertical bone augmentation (VBA) surgery, loss of both keratinized tissue (KT) and vestibule depth (VD) take place. This article evaluated KT gain, patient satisfaction, and aesthetic outcomes after a modified apically repositioned flap (ARF) in combination with a strip-free gingival graft (FGG) harvested from the palate and a xenogeneic collagen matrix (XCM) to correct mucogingival distortion (MGD) after VBA. This technique minimizes patient morbidity by reducing the need for extensive masticatory mucosa grafts. MATERIALS: The study included 12 patients with ≤3 mm KT after vertical augmentation procedures. KT gain and tissue thickness were measured. Patient morbidity and aesthetic outcomes were also evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-four months after surgery, significant VD gain was observed, obtaining a vertical KT augmentation of 5.38 ± 2.06 mm, although tissue thickness increase was only 0.42 ± 0.42mm. Regarding patient satisfaction, aesthetic results evaluating tissue color and texture were satisfactory; the pain was slight, obtaining a score of 2.10 ± 1.13 out of 10, measured using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). CONCLUSION: The present retrospective case series study shows that using an apically repositioned flap combined with a strip FGG and an XCM might offer a valid means of achieving KT gain.

Assessment of Changes in the Outcome of Autogenous Tooth Grafts Over Time: A Clinical Study Evaluating Periodontal Healing in Bone Defects After Lower Third Molar Removal.

BACKGROUND: The removal of impacted lower third molars (ILTMs) is associated with bone defects in the distal area of second molars. Different methods have been described to minimize these defects. PURPOSE: The primary objective was to assess changes in probing depth (PD) over time (up to 36 months) between test (grafted) and control (ungrafted) groups; the graft was obtained from the extracted ILTM. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: This split-mouth randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Postgraduate Course in Oral Surgery of the Faculty of Dentistry of the Complutense University of Madrid. Adult patients requiring bilateral ILTM extraction with adjacent second molars were recruited, excluding pregnant/lactating women, patients in treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and patients with periodontal diseases. PREDICTOR/EXPOSURE/INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: The predictor variable was the graft technique. The bone defect after ILTM removal was treated with autogenous tooth graft (ATG) in the test group, leaving the control group ungrafted. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE: PD on the distobuccal, distomedial, and distolingual surfaces was recorded in both groups and averaged at baseline (T0), 3 (T1), 6 (T2), and 36 months (T3) postoperatively. COVARIATES: Sex, age, surgical time, ILTM situation and position between groups were assessed. ANALYSES: ANOVA repeated measures for comparisons between groups and the Friedman test for comparisons within the groups over time were applied. Statistical significance was established with a confidence interval of 95% (P < .05). RESULTS: The sample comprised 22 patients (6 males, 16 females) with a mean age of 21.68 ± 2.19 years; 44 ILTM extractions were performed. Statistically significant differences in PD average were found between groups (P < .001, 95% confidence interval) at 3 (1.63 ± 0.29), 6 (1.76 ± 0.3), and 36 months (1.74 ± 0.36). Reductions from T0 to T3 of 2.74 ± 0.28 (P < .001) and 0.54 ± 0.3 (P = .43) were observed in test and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: ATG placed on the distal surface of lower second molars and almost completely filling the extraction socket improved PD 3, 6 and 36 months after ILTM. Furthermore, no significant changes in PD were observed over time; no major complications occurred. ATG appears to be a viable alternative graft material for this procedure.

Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) and leukocyte-platelet rich fibrin (L-PRF): comparative release of growth factors and biological effect on osteoblasts.

PURPOSE: To compare the release of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) and interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) and leucocyte platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) and to evaluate their biological implication in osteoblasts. METHODS: Blood from 3 healthy volunteers was processed into PRGF, immediate L-PRF (L-PRF 0') and L-PRF 30 min after collection (L-PRF-30') and a control group. Growth factors release were analyzed at 7 times by ELISA. Cell proliferation, collagen-I synthesis and alkaline phosphatase activity were assessed in primary cultures of human osteoblasts. RESULTS: A slower controlled release of IGF-I, VEGF and PDGF was observed in the PRGF group at day 14. A higher synthesis of type I collagen was also quantified in PRGF. L-PRF released significantly higher amounts of IL-1ß, that was almost absent in the PRGF. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of leukocytes dramatically increases the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, which are likely to negatively influence the synthesis of type I collagen and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) by osteoblasts.

Patient-reported outcomes in patients with severe maxillary bone atrophy restored with zygomatic implant-supported complete dental prostheses: a systematic review.

Introduction and Objective: Zygomatic implants (ZI) offer a good and predictable alternative to reconstructive procedures of atrophic maxillae. The main objetive of this systematic review was to assess the effect of rehabilitation with zygomatic implants on patient's quality of life (QLP) using Patient Reported Outcomes Measures (PROMs).Materials and Methods: This review followed PRISMA guidelines. An automated electronic search was conducted in four databases supplemented by a manual search for relevant articles published until the end of January 2021. The Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale were used to assess the quality of evidence in the studies reviewed.Results: General findings of this systematic review showed substantial increases in Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among patients restored with ZI and high scores in terms of general satisfaction, especially in chewing ability and esthetics. An overall survival rate of ZI was 98.3% after a mean follow-up time of 46.5 months was observed. Occurrence of 13.1% biological complications and 1.8% technical complications were reported.Conclusions: Patients rehabilitated with zygomatic implant-supported complete dental prostheses showed substantial improvements in OHRQoL and general satisfaction with the treatment received.

Management of Schneiderian membrane perforations during maxillary sinus floor augmentation with lateral approach in relation to subsequent implant survival rates: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review aimed to propose a treatment protocol for repairing intraoperative perforation of the Schneiderian membrane during maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA) procedures with lateral window technique. In turn, to assess subsequent implant survival rates placed below repaired membranes compared with intact membranes and therefore determine whether membrane perforation constitutes a risk factor for implant survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Two independent reviewers conducted an electronic search for articles published between 2008 and April 30, 2020, in four databases: (1) The National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE/PubMed) via Ovid; (2) Web of Science (WOS); (3) SCOPUS; and (4) Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); also, a complementary handsearch was carried out. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used to assess the quality of evidence in the studies reviewed. RESULTS: Seven articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. A total of 1598 sinus lift surgeries were included, allowing the placement of 3604 implants. A total of 1115 implants were placed under previously perforated and repaired membranes, obtaining a survival rate of 97.68%, while 2495 implants were placed below sinus membranes that were not damaged during surgery, obtaining a survival rate of 98.88%. The rate of Schneiderian membrane perforation shown in the systematic review was 30.6%. In the articles reviewed, the most widely used technique for repairing perforated membranes was collagen membrane repair. CONCLUSIONS: Schneiderian membrane perforation during MFSA procedures with lateral approach is not a risk factor for dental implant survival (p=0.229; RR 0.977; 95% CI 0.941-1.015). The knowledge of the exact size of the membrane perforation is essential for deciding on the right treatment plan.

Split bone block technique: 4-month results of a randomised clinical trial comparing clinical and radiographic outcomes between autogenous and xenogeneic cortical plates.

PURPOSE: To evaluate short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of bone regeneration procedures using thin cortical porcine xenogeneic bone plates in combination with autogenous bone chips compared with thin autogenous cortical plates and autogenous bone chips. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 19 patients (12 women and 7 men, mean age 58.24 ± 3.09 years) were randomly allocated to two different groups regarding surgical procedure: autogenous cortical plates (ACP group) and xenogeneic cortical plates (XCP group). Preoperative CBCT scans were performed for each patient. Surgical time and postoperative pain were recorded, as well as tissue healing and graft resorption after 4 months, then another surgical procedure was performed to place dental implants. Data were analysed using an analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Twenty-one surgical procedures were performed on 19 patients (10 from the XCP group and 9 from the ACP group). The operative time was significantly lower in the XCP group (25.45 ± 3.88 minutes) than in the ACP group (44.10 ± 3.60 minutes). The XCP group also showed less pain, but not significantly less, than the ACP group. The graft resorption rate in the ACP and XCP groups was 2.03 ± 1.58% and 3.49 ± 2.38% respectively, showing no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limited sample size and non-uniform distribution between the maxilla and mandible as surgical sites, the results suggest that XCP and ACP grafts are similar in terms of bone volume gain and graft resorption rate, with no significant differences in wound healing or complication rate. Nevertheless, the XCP group recorded lower pain levels and required significantly less operative time compared to the ACP group.

Classification of sinonasal pathology associated with dental pathology or dental treatment.

BACKGROUND: The pathologies of the posterior teeth in the first and second quadrant and their treatments can be associated with pathology of the maxillary sinus in up to 30% of the cases. Sinus lift surgery in order to place dental implants have increased their incidence. It is necessary, therefore, to address sinonasal pathology (SN) related to dental pathology (DP) or dental treatments (DT) from an interdisciplinary point of view by establishing collaborative working groups between Dentistry (DEN) and Otolaryngology (ENT), as well as by developing registries and establishing coordinated diagnosis and treatment protocols of sinonasal pathology. The aim of this study was to present a brand new and useful classification that relates dental pathology and dental treatments performed on antral teeth with sinonasal pathology to facilitate communication between dentists and otolaryngologists. METHODS: A review of the literature was performed and a classification which related dental pathology and treatments to sinonasal pathology was developed. RESULTS: Six categories are described in our system: absence of sinonasal or dental pathology (0); patients with dental pathology associated (1) or not (4) with sinonasal pathology; 2 and 5- patients with dental treatment not associated (2) or associated (5) with sinonasal pathology; and patients with sinonasal pathology without dental pathology (3). The classification has applications in diagnosis (association and possible causal relationship between the sinonasal and dental pathology) and in the treatment of these pathologies simultaneously or sequentially. CONCLUSIONS: This classification integrates the presence or absence of dental pathology or dental treatment, and its association or not it with sinonasal pathology. Moreover, it facilitates the communication between dentists and otolaringologists and eases the registration of information and the planning of dental, implant and sinus lift treatments.

Effectiveness of the bone ring technique and simultaneous implant placement for vertical ridge augmentation: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Dimensional changes after dental extraction frequently lead to situations in which bone augmentation procedures are required prior to dental implant placement. Bone ring technique (BRT) has been described as a one-stage approach to restore vertical alveolar ridge defects, in which an autogenous or allogeneic cortico-cancellous bone block graft is stabilized with a dental implant inserted simultaneously. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the clinical performance of BRT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. An electronic search was conducted in four databases: (1) The National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE/PubMed) via Ovid; (2) Web of Science (WOS); (3) SCOPUS; and (4) Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale and The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool were used to assess the quality of evidence in the studies reviewed. RESULTS: Sixteen studies with a total of 186 patients treated with 219 bone rings bocks were included in the review. The studies showed a mean bone gain of 4.94 mm, mean bone resorption of 0.83 mm, and mean marginal bone loss of 0.57 mm after a mean follow-up period of 13.35 months. A mean bone ring survival rate of 97.26% and implant survival rate of 94.97% were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: BRT would appear to be an adequate alternative technique for restoring single vertical alveolar ridge defects with simultaneous dental implant placement. However, further studies comparing this technique with other vertical ridge augmentation procedures in different clinical scenarios are needed to confirm the present results.

Placing Dental Implants through Impacted Teeth to Support a Fixed Partial Denture in a Geriatric Patient as an Alternative to Invasive Extraction Surgeries.

Multiple dental impactions not associated with craniofacial syndromes are a rare condition and present the dentist with a therapeutic challenge when it comes to performing surgical/restorative treatments in adult patients. This case report describes a geriatric patient with multiple impacted teeth restored by means of two different protocols. In the second quadrant, an impacted tooth was extracted followed by regeneration and placement of an implant. In the third quadrant, implants were placed though impacted teeth for restoration with a fixed partial prosthesis. Placing dental implants through impacted teeth may offer a possible therapeutic option for implant-supported restorations in middle-aged or elderly patients, for whom surgery and orthodontic traction are not possible, and/or patients who refuse to undergo more invasive extraction surgery.

Autogenous Dentin Graft in Bone Defects after Lower Third Molar Extraction: A Split-Mouth Clinical Trial.

Various biomaterials are currently used for bone regeneration, with autogenous bone being considered the gold standard material because of its osteogenic, osteoconductive, and osteoinductive properties. In recent years, the use of autogenous dentin as a graft material has been described. This split-mouth clinical trial assesses the efficacy of autogenous dentin for the regeneration of periodontal defects caused by bone loss associated with impacted lower third molar extraction. Fifteen patients underwent bilateral extraction surgery (30 third molars) using dentin as a graft material on the test side, and leaving the control side to heal spontaneously, comparing the evolution of the defects by evaluating probing depth at three and six months post-operatively. Bone density and alveolar bone crest maintenance were also evaluated six months after surgery, and pain, inflammation, mouth opening capacity on the second and seventh days after surgery. Probing depth, radiographic bone density, and alveolar bone crest maintenance showed significant differences between the test and control sides. Autogenous dentin was found to be an effective biomaterial for bone regeneration after impacted lower third molar extraction.

Effect of the lack of primary stability in the survival of dental implants.

BACKGROUND: The survival of dental implants has been linked to primary stability. The aim of this study is to analyse the factors that influence the survival of dental implants placed without primary stability. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cohort study of implants placed without primary stability was carried out between September 2011 and July 2016. All cases with registered information on the patient and surgical intervention were used. Cases that did not have a 12-month follow-up after implant placement were excluded. RESULTS: Out of 2,400 analysed implants, 92 were placed without primary stability. The absence of primary stability was classified as B in 49 cases, C in 38 cases and D in 5 cases. No statistically significant influence of the patient's age, primary stability, brand, or implant size in terms of implant survival was established. A tendency towards greater early implant loss was observed in implants whose absence of primary stability was classified as C. CONCLUSIONS: Poor primary stability is not statistically significant in the loss of dental implants of the characteristics studied. Any of the factors studied are related with early implant loss as a main factor. Key words:Primary stability, survival, dental implants.

The role of Leucocyte-rich and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) in the treatment of the medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ).

BACKGROUND: For the treatment of the bisphosphonates and other drugs related osteonecrosis of the jaws, currently medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ), have been established different conservative therapeutic approaches, avoiding surgery except in cases of extreme need. Given the controversy and lack of current consensus regarding MRONJ therapy in patients, new techniques have been developed among which the use of fibrin membranes rich in platelets and leukocytes (L-PRF). The objective of this review is to evaluate whether L-PRF treatment is really effective, as well as the results that can be achieved by this therapeutic alternative. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review of the literature in the PubMed/Medline database of all those studies using L-PRF in the treatment of osteonecrosis using the keywords "Osteonecrosis", "Jaws", "L-PRF" and " Leucocyte-rich platelet-rich fibrin ". RESULTS: The use of L-PRF for the treatment of MRONJ is really effective, especially when it is performed with a simultaneous application of L-PRF and morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), even in patients submitted for long periods of time to therapy with intravenous bisphosphonates. However, success will depend on several factors such as the previous existence of infection or the clinical stage in which the patient is. CONCLUSIONS: The current literature demonstrates the effectiveness of the use of L-PRF in osteonecrosis, and it can be considered as a real alternative in the treatment of this entity. However, more clinical studies are needed to really assess this new therapy. Key words:Osteonecrosis, Jaws, L-PRF, Leucocyte-rich platelet-rich fibrin.

The application of diode laser in the treatment of oral soft tissues lesions. A literature review.

BACKGROUND: Since its appearance in the dental area, the laser has become a treatment of choice in the removal of lesions in the oral soft tissues, due to the numerous advantages they offer, being one of the most used currently the diode laser. The aim of this review was to determine the efficacy and predictability of diode laser as a treatment of soft tissue injuries compared to other surgical methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature review of articles published in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and the Cochrane Library databases between 2007 and 2017 was performed. "Diode laser", "soft tissue", "oral cavity" and "oral surgery" were employed for the search strategy. Only articles published English or Spanish were selected. RESULTS: The diode laser is a minimally invasive technology that offers great advantages, superior to those of the conventional scalpel, such as reduction of bleeding, inflammation and the lower probability of scars. Its effectiveness is comparable to that of other types of lasers, in addition to being an option of lower cost and greater ease of use. Its application in the soft tissues has been evaluated, being a safe and effective method for the excision of lesions like fibromas, epulis fissuratum and the accomplishment of frenectomies. CONCLUSIONS: The diode laser can be used with very good results for the removal of lesions in soft tissues, being used in small exophytic lesions due to their easy application, adequate coagulation, no need to suture and the slightest inflammation and pain. Key words:Diode laser, soft tissues, oral cavity, oral surgery.

Alternative intraoral donor sites to the chin and mandibular body-ramus.

BACKGROUND: Provide a review of alternative intraoral donor sites to the chin and body-ramus of the mandible that bring fewer complications and that may be used to regenerate small and medium defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review was conducted using the search engine PUBMED and looking manually into scientific journals. RESULTS: From the 35 articles included, 6 corresponded to the coronoids, 3 corresponded to the zygomatic body, 5 corresponded to the anterior maxillary sinus wall, 3 corresponded to the zygomatic alveolar process, 2 corresponded to the incisive fossa, 2 corresponded to the anterior nasal spine, 2 corresponded to the palatal region, 5 corresponded to the tuberosity, and 7 corresponded to the palatal and mandibular tori. CONCLUSIONS: Although there are few complications described when using alternative intraoral donor sites, the main problem with these types of grafts is their scarce bone volume, with only the zygomatic body, anterior sinus wall, and palate sites being able to be used in medium defects. More clinical trials are necessary in order to evaluate the behavior of the alternative donor sites over time. Key words:Grafting, autologous bone, autografts, mandible, maxilla, palate hard, zygoma.

Analysis of Resorption and Need for Overcorrection in Alveolar Distraction Osteogenesis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of resorption that occurs following a period of consolidation in alveolar distraction osteogenesis and assess the amount of overcorrection necessary to achieve the planned height. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted comprising 19 surgically treated patients, where a total of 19 extraosseous distractors were placed. All patients undergoing surgery had a panoramic radiograph and a computed tomography scan, both at the end of distraction and at the end of the consolidation period. To assess the degree of resorption, the distance from the mandibular border, maxillary sinus floor, or nasal floor to the limit of the crestal bone following consolidation was compared with the height recorded at the end of the distraction period. RESULTS: Resorption occurred in all cases ranging from 7% to 25%. CONCLUSION: The presence of resorption reported from this study indicates that an overcorrection of at least 20% may be necessary when distraction osteogenesis is performed.

Complications in the use of the mandibular body, ramus and symphysis as donor sites in bone graft surgery. A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: To develop a systematic review by assessing and comparing the different complications that occurs in bone graft surgery using the mandibular body, ramus and symphysis as donor sites. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In order to respond to the following question, a systematic review was developed: does the use of intraoral mandibular body and ramus as donor sites in bone graft surgery, produce fewer and less severe complications in comparison to the use of the mandibular symphysis in patients that present bone resorption that needs augmentation using autologous grafts? The review was carried out between January 1990 and 2015, during which only clinical essays with a minimum follow-up period of six months were included. RESULTS: The initial search yielded a total of 2912 articles, of which 6 were finally selected. In total, 259 graft surgeries were performed; 118 using the mandibular body and ramus as donor sites, and 141, the symphysis. The most frequent complications that arose when using the mandibular symphysis were temporary sensory alterations in the anterior teeth (33.87%), followed by sensory alterations of the skin and mucosa (18.57%). As for the mandibular body and ramus donor sites, the most frequent complications relate to temporary sensory alterations of the mucosa (8.19%) and to minor postoperative bleeding (6.55%). CONCLUSIONS: The analyzed results show a higher prevalence and severity of complications when using mandibular symphysis bone grafts, producing more discomfort for the patient. Therefore, it would be advisable to perform further clinical essays due to the lack of studies found.

Complications in the treatment with alveolar extraosseous distractors. Literature review.

BACKGROUND: To review the literature that analyses the types and frequency of complications associated with the use of extraosseous alveolar distraction from 2007 to 2013. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Review of the literature in PubMed, using these keywords; alveolar ridge, alveolar distraction osteogenesis, complication, literature review. Inclusion criteria were: articles published between 2007 and 2013 that included the distraction protocol, the complications encountered and the time when they occurred. RESULTS: According to the above criteria, 12 articles were included in this review, where 334 extraosseous distractors were placed and 395 complications were encountered, of which 19 (4.81%) were intraoperative, 261 (66.07%) postoperative and 115 (29.11 %) were post-distraction. The most common complication was the incorrect distraction vector found in 105 cases (26.58%), in 23 cases (5.82%) there were severe complications, of which 14 (3.54%) were mandibular fracture and 9 (2.27%) were fractures of the distractor elements. CONCLUSIONS: According to this review, although alveolar distraction is a safe and predictable technique, it can cause complications; however, they are usually minor and easily resolved without affecting the treatment outcome.

Effects of local melatonin application on post-extraction sockets after third molar surgery. A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and osteogenic early effects of melatonin on post-extraction sockets of patients requiring third molars extraction. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, triple-blind clinical trial was made using a split-mouth design. Both lower third molars of 10 patients were extracted and 3 mg of local melatonin or placebo were applied. Concentrations of interleukin-6 and nitrotyrosine were determined on samples of the clot from the socket by independent ELISA tests. Radiographic bone density was evaluated by measuring Hounsfield Units in panoramic and cross sections obtained by digital scanner. Statistical analysis by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was performed for ELISA data. Bone density was analyzed by Shapiro-Wilk test. Subsequently t test was applied. P<0.05 was considered to be significant. RESULTS: The concentration of interleukin-6 increased with the application of melatonin without statistically significance (361.32 ± 235.22 pg/ml vs 262.58 ± 233.92 pg/ml). Nitrotyrosine concentrations showed values below to the detectability pattern (<0.001 nM) in Optic Density curve. Bone density in panoramic sections at socket after melatonin application showed no significant difference (561.98 ± 105.92 HU vs 598.82 ± 209.03 HU). In cross sections, bone density in the alveolar region showed no significant difference(377.42 ± 125.67 HU vs 347.56 ± 97.02 HU). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this pilot study, no differences with the application of melatonin were found in terms of the concentration of interleukin-6 and bone density in post-extraction socket of retained mandibular third molars.

Study of available bone for interforaminal implant treatment using cone-beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the availability of bone in the interforaminal region and to demonstrate the variation in diagnosis between panoramic x-ray and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 50 patients and in 5 areas of each, a series of parameters concerning available bone were measured on both the panoramic and the CT images. RESULTS: Panoramic images underestimate the vertical and horizontal measurements when compared with CBCT. Regarding implant treatment, the interforaminal region presents the same remaining bone height throughout its full extent, the correlation between one side of the midline and the other was highly significant for all the parameters studied, and 20% of the sample showed some buccal and/or lingual concavity. CONCLUSION: Cone-beam CT is an advantageous system for interforaminal implant treatment planning, especially since the reported radiation dose is minimal and geometric accuracy is very high.