Accuracy Evaluation of the Computer-Designed Selective Laser Sintering Surgical Guide for Flapless Immediate Loading Dental Implants Surgery in Edentulous Jaws.

This study was designed to evaluate the accuracy of a novel computer-designed and selectively laser sintered surgical guide for flapless dental implant placement in the edentulous jaw. Fifty dental implants were placed in 11 patients with at least 1 totally edentulous jaw. Initially, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed in each patient to define the virtual position of the dental implants based on the assessment of bone availability and the proposed dental prosthesis. After virtual planning, 3D surgical guides were printed using selective laser sintering. CBCT was repeated after the surgery, and the pre- and postoperative images were overlapped in computer-assisted design software to compare the planned and actual positions of the dental implants using a 1-sample t test. The mean ± angular standard deviation between the long axes of the planned and final dental implant positions was 4.58° ± 2.85°; the linear deviation in the coronal position was 0.87 ± 0.49 mm and in the apical region of the dental implants was 1.37 ± 0.69 mm. These differences were statistically significant (P < .001). The proposed modifications reduced the deviations, resulting in an improvement in the technique. We were able to place implants and temporary prostheses using the present protocol, taking into account the differences between the planned and final positions of the dental implants.

Factores sistémicos asociados con el edentulismo, según edad y género, mediante las radiografías panorámicas y expedientes digitales / Systemic factors associated with edentulism according to age and gender by panoramic radiographs and digital records

Resumen Esta investigación se realizó con el objetivo de determinar los principales factores sistémicos que provocan edentulismo en los pacientes que asisten a la Clínica de Odontología, con el fin de educar y concientizarlos sobre la relación entre la pérdida de piezas dentales y la salud en general, así como las causas y consecuencias del edentulismo. Para el estudio se tomó una muestra de 954 expedientes del último cuatrimestre de 2017. Estos registros se evaluaron para obtener un número de 108 pacientes edéntulos con factores sistémicos, total utilizado para este trabajo.

Abstract This research was carried out with the aim to determine the main systemic factors that cause edentulism in patients attending the Dental Clinic, in order to enhance patient education concerning the relationship between toothloss and with general health, as well as the causes and consequences of edentulism. For this study, a sample of 954 records was acquired from the last four months of the year 2017. These records were evaluated to obtain a number of 108 patients with systemic factors, the overall participants for this study.

One-year clinical outcomes of locking taper Equator attachments retaining mandibular overdentures to narrow diameter implants.

BACKGROUND: Narrow diameter implants (NDI) are recommended to retain mandibular overdentures (MOs) in cases of limited bone thickness. It is necessary to evaluate the clinical behavior of NDI as MO retainers connected to a new screwless locking taper abutments, their predictability and maintenance problems. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the peri-implant tissue behavior around NDI and the performance of locking taper stud abutments as MO retainers. METHODOLOGY: Thirty patients (average age of 67.5 years) received 2 NDI implants (2.9 × 10 mm) loaded after 12 weeks using Equator stud attachments. The plaque index (PI), calculus index (CI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and implant stability quotient (ISQ) were monitored during osseointegration at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks and postloading at 24, 48, and 60 weeks. The marginal bone level (MBL) and bone level changes (BLC) were determined at baseline and 60 weeks. RESULTS: The cumulative success rate was 83.3%. The PI oscillated in the first 24 weeks and decreased from 48 weeks onward, while the CI score showed significantly higher values at week 8 (22%). The GI also peaked at week 8 (18.6%) and decreased from week 12 onward. The PD decreased gradually over time, but no significant differences were found between weeks 8 and 12. The ISQ decreased significantly between 0 and 12 weeks. After MO loading, the ISQ values increased linearly and significantly between 12 and 24, 24 and 48, and 48 and 60 weeks and reached values similar to the primary stability after 60 weeks [56.1(42.0-65.3)]. No significant MBL was observed at 60 weeks, with an average BLC of -0.06 ± 0.64 mm. CONCLUSION: NDI connected to locking taper Equator attachments showed a stable clinical behavior as an MO retainer for edentulous patients with clinical mandibular atrophy.

Mini-implants and narrow diameter implants as mandibular overdenture retainers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical and radiographic outcomes.

This study reviews the clinical and radiographic outcomes of Mini-implants (MI) and Narrow Diameter Implants (NDI) as mandibular overdenture (MO) retainers. Six databases were consulted for clinical studies that evaluated implants with diameter ≤3.5 mm. Data on the MI and NDI for survival and success rate and peri-implant bone loss and were collected and submitted to meta-analysis. Thirty-six studies were included, 24 reporting MI performance and 12 describing NDI results. The MI group comprised data from 1 cross-sectional clinical study, 3 retrospective longitudinal (RL) clinical studies, 13 prospective longitudinal (PL) clinical studies and 7 randomised clinical trials (RCT) with follow-up periods ranging from 1 day to 7 years. Eight studies used conventional loading, thirteen used immediate loading, two studies used both loading types, and one study did not report. The NDI group comprised data from 3 RL clinical studies, 6 PL clinical studies and 3 RCT with follow-up ranging from 6 months to 10 years. Ten studies used conventional loading, 1 study used immediate loading, and 1 study did not report. The average survival rates of MI and NDI studies were 98% and 98%, respectively, while the average success rates were 93% and 96%, respectively. The average peri-implant bone loss after 12, 24 and 36 months was 0.89, 1.18 and 1.02 mm for MI and 0.18, 0.12 and -0.32 mm for NDI. Both MI and NDI showed adequate clinical behaviour as overdenture retainers. The NDI showed a better long-term predictability to retain OM with most studies adopting conventional loading.

Fixation of a severely resorbed mandible for complete arch screw-retained rehabilitation: A clinical report.

Severely resorbed mandibles with placed endosteal dental implants can fracture. Therefore, techniques to reduce the risk or minimize the consequences of these fractures are needed. This clinical report presents a technique for placing a titanium plate in a severely resorbed mandible subjected to complete-arch implant therapy. The titanium plate is placed in the same surgical procedure as the implants, allowing immediate implant loading. This technique provides safe implant-supported treatment for patients with severe mandibular resorption.

Influence of osteoporosis on the osteocyte density of human mandibular bone samples: a controlled histological human study.

OBJECTIVES: Osteocytes have emerged as key regulators of skeletal and mineral homeostasis. The number of these cells could be influenced by the presence of osteoporosis and osteopenia. Hence, the aim this study was to evaluate the osteocyte density in patients with osteopenia, and in patients with osteoporosis treated with bisphosphonates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients were selected for this study and divided into three groups: (A) nine healthy patients (control), (B) 15 patients with osteopenia, and (C) 15 patients with osteoporosis. During the surgical insertion of dental implants in the lower jaw, bone samples were retrieved and processed for histological analysis of osteocyte density, measured as number of osteocytes/bone tissue area (µm(2) ). RESULTS: Patients with osteopenia showed statistically higher values of osteocyte density than patients with osteoporosis (P < 0.05) No significant differences were detected between osteopenia and osteoporosis subjects vs. healthy patients (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Bone metabolism diseases (osteoporosis and osteopenia) do not seem to influence the osteocyte density; this could be due to the administration of bisphosphonates in patients with osteoporosis. This information could play a fundamental role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in a postmenopausal stage.

Associação de implantes osseointegráveis e cirurgia ortognática na reabilitação total maxilar / Association of dental implants and orthognathic surgery in total maxillary rehabilitation

A reabilitação oral com implantes osseointegráveis (IO) em pacientes com severa atrofia maxilar é um desafio e, geralmente, o resultado é uma prótese com grande compensação, apresentando biomecânica desfavorável e dificuldade de higienização. Nesses casos, a associação da cirurgia ortognática à reabilitação com IO pode ser uma alternativa viável. Este trabalho descreve alguns casos clínicos de pacientes portadores de osso maxilar atrófico com relação maxilo-mandibular desfavorável, em que se optou pela associação dos IO e da cirurgia ortognática. A sequência reabilitadora foi composta de procedimentos reconstrutivos inlay e/ ou onlay (quando indicados), instalação de implantes osseointegráveis, confecção de prótese sem compensação em classe III e cirurgia ortognática bimaxilar para obtenção da oclusão ideal. Após o acompanhamento desses casos, pôde-se concluir que a reabilitação com implantes e cirurgia ortognática se mostra uma alternativa segura e previsível em caso de edentulismo total superior com grande discrepância maxilo-mandibular (AU).

Oral rehabilitation with osseointegrated implants (OI) in patients with severe maxillary atrophy is a challenge and, generally, the result is a prosthesis with great compensation, presenting unfavorable biomechanics and difficulty of oral hygiene. In these cases, orthognathic surgery and OI association can be a viable alternative. This paper describes some clinical cases of patients with atrophic maxilla and unfavorable maxillomandibular relationship, treated with OI and orthognathic surgery association. The rehabilitation sequence was composed by reconstructive inlay/onlay procedures (when indicated), osseointegrated implants installation and prosthesis manufacturing with outclass III compensation and bimaxillary orthognathic surgery to achieve ideal occlusion. After follow-up of these cases, it can be concluded that the rehabilitation using dental implants and orthognathic surgery shows to be a safe and predictable alternative in cases of complete upper edentulism with great maxillomandibular discrepancy (AU).

Ultrasound analysis of mental artery flow in elderly patients: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: Mental artery flow decreases with age and may have an aetiological role in alveolar ridge atrophy. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with alterations of mental artery flow, assessed by ultrasonography. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on elderly patients (aged above 60 years) at the beginning of dental treatment. Intraoral B-mode Doppler ultrasonography was used to assess mental artery flow. The cases were defined as patients with a weak/absent ultrasound signal, whereas the controls presented a strong ultrasound signal. Demographics and radiographic findings (low bone mineral density on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and mandibular cortical index on panoramic radiographs) were analysed as risk factors for weak/absent ultrasound signal and were calculated as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using conditional logistic regression. In addition, the Student's t-test was used to compare the mean alveolar bone height of the analysed groups. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 30 ultrasound examinations (12 cases and 18 controls) were analysed. A weak/absent mental artery pulse strength was significantly associated with edentulism (AOR = 3.67; 95% CI = 0.86-15.63; p = 0.046). In addition, there was a significant difference in alveolar bone height between edentulous cases and controls (p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, the present results indicate that edentulism is associated with diminished mental artery flow, which, in turn, affects alveolar bone height.

Use of a titanium mesh "shelter" combined with the soft tissue matrix expansion (tent pole) grafting in the reconstruction of a severely resorbed edentulous mandible. Technical note.

Patients wearing complete dentures for a long time usually exhibit lack of bone and keratinized mucosa in the bearing area due to bone resorption. The patients suffering from this phenomenon usually have unstable and non-retentive complete denture, which result in constant trauma to the mucosa, pain, functional limitations and worsening of facial esthetics. An innovative technique has been described in which a novel surgical approach using osseointegrated dental implants as "tent poles" was applied concomitant with particulate autogenous bone graft. The authors claim that the control and maintenance of the surgically expanded soft tissue volume should prevent graft resorption in the long term. Nevertheless, resorption of the bone graft is usually more significant where the bone mass is poorer, in the mandibular body. This paper describes a case of severely resorbed edentulous mandible in which the "tent pole" technique was applied with some modifications. Use of the titanium mesh "shelters" and two additional implants was effective in "protecting" the bone graft in the posterior portion of the mandibular body increasing bone mass volume in this area. Furthermore, we believe that this kind of graft "protection" on the whole residual alveolar ridge can increase the width of bone mass gain optimizing the "tent pole" technique.

Use of a Titanium Mesh "Shelter" Combined with the Soft Tissue Matrix Expansion (Tent Pole) Grafting in the Reconstruction of a Severely Resorbed Edentulous Mandible. Technical Note.

Patients wearing complete dentures for a long time usually exhibit lack of bone and keratinized mucosa in the bearing area due to bone resorption. The patients suffering from this phenomenon usually have unstable and non-retentive complete denture, which result in constant trauma to the mucosa, pain, functional limitations and worsening of facial esthetics. An innovative technique has been described in which a novel surgical approach using osseointegrated dental implants as "tent poles" was applied concomitant with particulate autogenous bone graft. The authors claim that the control and maintenance of the surgically expanded soft tissue volume should prevent graft resorption in the long term. Nevertheless, resorption of the bone graft is usually more significant where the bone mass is poorer, in the mandibular body. This paper describes a case of severely resorbed edentulous mandible in which the "tent pole" technique was applied with some modifications. Use of the titanium mesh "shelters" and two additional implants was effective in "protecting" the bone graft in the posterior portion of the mandibular body increasing bone mass volume in this area. Furthermore, we believe that this kind of graft "protection" on the whole residual alveolar ridge can increase the width of bone mass gain optimizing the "tent pole" technique.

Pacientes portadores de próteses totais por um longo período geralmente apresentam perda significativa de osso do processo alveolar e de mucosa ceratinizada na área chapeável devido ao processo de reabsorção óssea associada com a perda de função. Estes pacientes geralmente possuem próteses totais sem retenção e estabilidade, o que resulta em trauma crônico à mucosa, limitações funcionais e piora da estética facial. Uma técnica cirúrgica inovadora foi descrita na qual implantes osseointegráveis são posicionados em forma de "pilares" conjuntamente com enxerto ósseo autógeno particulado. Os autores afirmam que o controle e manutenção do volume tecidual obtido cirurgicamente diminui a perda em volume do enxerto ósseo utilizado. Entretanto esta reabsorção geralmente ocorre com maior intensidade onde a massa óssea é mais pobre, ou seja, em corpo mandibular. Este artigo descreve um caso onde uma mandíbula severamente reabsorvida foi reconstruída utilizando-se a técnica de "tent pole" com algumas modificações propostas pelos autores. O uso da malha de titânio em forma de "cabana" e dois implantes dentários osseointegráveis adicionais contribuíram para "proteger" o enxerto ósseo autógeno na região posterior do corpo mandibular aumentando o volume ósseo na região. Adicionalmente, nós acreditamos que o uso deste tipo de proteção em todo rebordo alveolar residual pode melhorar o ganho de massa óssea otimizando, portanto, a técnica original de "tent pole".

Vertical bone measurements from cone beam computed tomography images using different software packages.

This article aimed at comparing the accuracy of linear measurement tools of different commercial software packages. Eight fully edentulous dry mandibles were selected for this study. Incisor, canine, premolar, first molar and second molar regions were selected. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were obtained with i-CAT Next Generation. Linear bone measurements were performed by one observer on the cross-sectional images using three different software packages: XoranCat®, OnDemand3D® and KDIS3D®, all able to assess DICOM images. In addition, 25% of the sample was reevaluated for the purpose of reproducibility. The mandibles were sectioned to obtain the gold standard for each region. Intraclass coefficients (ICC) were calculated to examine the agreement between the two periods of evaluation; the one-way analysis of variance performed with the post-hoc Dunnett test was used to compare each of the software-derived measurements with the gold standard. The ICC values were excellent for all software packages. The least difference between the software-derived measurements and the gold standard was obtained with the OnDemand3D and KDIS3D (-0.11 and -0.14 mm, respectively), and the greatest, with the XoranCAT (+0.25 mm). However, there was no statistical significant difference between the measurements obtained with the different software packages and the gold standard (p> 0.05). In conclusion, linear bone measurements were not influenced by the software package used to reconstruct the image from CBCT DICOM data.

Influence of scan mode (180°/360°) of the cone beam computed tomography for preoperative dental implant measurements.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of scan mode of the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the preoperative dental implant measurements. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Completely edentulous mandibles with entirely resorbed alveolar processes were selected for this study. Five regions were selected (incisor, canine, premolar, first molar, and second molar). The mandibles were scanned with Next Generation i-CAT CBCT unit (Imaging Sciences International, Inc, Hatfield, PA, USA) with half (180°) and full (360°) mode. Two oral radiologists performed vertical measurements in all selected regions; the measurements of half of the sample were repeated within an interval of 30 days. The mandibles were sectioned using an electrical saw in all evaluated regions to obtain the gold standard. The intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated for the intra- and interobserver agreement. Descriptive statistics were calculated as mean, median, and standard deviation. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to determine the correlation between the measurements obtained in different scan mode with the gold standard. The significance level was 5%. RESULTS: The values of intra- and interobserver reproducibility indicated a strong agreement. In the dental implant measurements, except the bone height of the second molar region in full scan mode (P = 0.02), the Wilcoxon signed rank test did not show statistical significant difference with the gold standard (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both modes provided real measures, necessary when performing implant planning; however, half scan mode uses smaller doses, following the principle of effectiveness. We believe that this method should be used because of the best dose-effect relationship and offer less risk to the patient.

Tomographic evaluation of iliac crest bone grafting and the use of immediate temporary implants to the atrophic maxilla.

Sixteen consecutive patients with atrophic maxillae, who had been referred for bone augmentation using iliac bone grafting before the placement of dental implants, received a full clinical examination and underwent a CT scan before and after surgery. Linear vertical and horizontal measurements were made before and 6 months after surgery. Differences in mean bone gain or loss for each area were compared between a group that received an immediate total provisional prosthesis on temporary immediate implants (test group, 12 patients) and a control group (four patients). Both groups showed significant horizontal bone gain in all regions and vertical bone augmentation in the posterior regions. The test group showed no significant difference for bone gain compared to the control group, but half the test group had problems during treatment. Bone augmentation of the atrophic maxilla with iliac crest bone grafting resulted in sufficient vertical and horizontal bone augmentation to install six or eight implants in all patients and successfully rehabilitate them. The results suggest that the use of total provisional prostheses on temporary immediate implants meets the aesthetic demands required, but should be used with care and in special cases.

Influence of maxillomandibular positioning in cone beam computed tomography for implant planning.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of changes in maxillomandibular positioning during cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging on the planning of dental implants. Ten skulls were marked bilaterally with metal spheres in four regions: incisors, canine, premolars, and molars. CBCT scans were obtained in seven positions: standard position (SP), displacements of 10° and 20° above and below the SP, and lateral displacements of 10° and 20° from the SP. Subsequently, bilateral measurements of the height and width of the maxilla and mandible were performed on all images. The results showed that the position with a displacement of 20° above the SP presented the greatest differences in the measurements of bone height and width. In the bilateral comparisons, the maxillary bone width showed the greatest differences, especially for the regions of the premolars and molars. It is concluded that alterations of positioning during the acquisition of CBCT images can lead to alterations in the measurements of bone height and width, which may result in errors in implant planning and cause damage to anatomical structures.

Evaluation of bone width lateral to the mandibular canal as an alternative approach for implant installation.

PURPOSE: The objective of the present study was to realize an indirect morphometric evaluation of bone thickness lateral to the mandibular canal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 30 partially or totally edentulous dry jaws, the first and second molar areas were analyzed using computed tomography. RESULTS: The findings indicated that 28.33% of the sites could be considered for the installation of a standard 3.75-mm-diameter implant laterally between the mandibular canal and its bony counterpart. CONCLUSION: Implant installation in the posterior mandible region, lateral to the mandibular canal, is an alternative to more complex techniques, such as vertical ridge augmentation.

Fate of autologous and fresh-frozen allogeneic block bone grafts used for ridge augmentation. A CBCT-based analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate dimensional changes in autologous (AT) and fresh-frozen allogeneic (AL) block bone grafts 6 months after alveolar ridge augmentation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-six partially or totally edentulous patients treated either with fresh-frozen AL bone or AT bone onlay block grafts prior to implant placement (13 patients in each group), were included in this analysis. Patients received CBCT (i-CAT Classic) examinations prior to surgery and 14 days and 6 months after grafting. Differences in alveolar ridge area among the various observation times were evaluated by planimetric measurements on two-dimensional CBCT images of the grafted regions. Nineteen grafted blocks from each group were evaluated. RESULTS: Significant increase in alveolar ridge dimensions, allowing implant placement, was obtained with both types of grafts 6 months after grafting; no significant differences in alveolar ridge area were observed between the groups at the various observation times. However, graft resorption in the AL group was significantly larger compared to that in the AT group at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Larger bone graft resorption was seen in patients treated with fresh-frozen AL bone than in those treated with AT bone 6 months following alveolar ridge augmentation.

The buccal fat pad flap: an option to prevent and treat complications regarding complex zygomatic implant surgery. Preliminary report.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of the buccal fat pad flap (BFPF) technique as an option to prevent complications in the treatment of patients with atrophic maxillae rehabilitated after complex zygomatic implant surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was made of completely edentulous patients submitted to zygomatic implant surgery between May 2005 and November 2007. Patients with severely atrophic maxillae received conventional and zygomatic implants and were followed after the implants were loaded. Preoperative evaluation included panoramic radiography and computed tomographic scans of the maxilla to identify the anatomic conditions and presence of pathology. RESULTS: Eight male patients with a mean age of 57 years and atrophic maxillae were rehabilitated with zygomatic implants placed using the BFPF technique. The BFPF technique was used in complex situations, including oroantral communication-associated sites, areas that had lost the sinus wall, and extrasinus implant placement. A total of 16 conventional implants, 4 long (21-mm) tilted implants, and 22 zygomatic implants was placed. The patients were rehabilitated with fixed prostheses and were followed for a minimum of 15 months. None of the conventional implants failed and none of the zygomatic implants failed or presented with soft tissue complications. CONCLUSION: The BFPF presented a high success rate, demonstrating that it is a viable and predictable treatment option to prevent and treat soft tissue complications in complex zygomatic implant surgery.

An in vitro model to evaluate the accuracy of guided surgery systems.

PURPOSE: An in vitro model was developed and tested to evaluate the precision of guided implant systems. The accuracy of dental implants placed with a flapless technique was analyzed using a stereolithographic template in vitro. Differences between the virtual and actual positions of the implants were measured. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six polyurethane mandibles with artificial silicone gums were fabricated, and each was fitted with an individual computed tomography (CT) guide. Stereolithographic guides were created using computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacturing technology and virtual planning software. All stereolithographic guides had four holes for stabilization pins and three holes for cylindric implants. After implant placement, the mandibles were subjected to another CT scan to compare the actual implant positions with the planned positions. The pre- and postimplantation CT images were superimposed using digital processing image software to evaluate the linear and angular deviations between the virtual planning data and the surgical results. RESULTS: The mean angular discrepancy between the virtual and actual positions of the 18 placed implants was 2.16 ± 0.92 degrees. Among the placed implants, 66.7% were situated a mean of 0.38 ± 0.03 mm apical to the planned vertical position, and 33.3% were situated 0.39 ± 0.03 mm coronal to the planned position. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the present study, this tool showed promising accuracy in virtual implant placement.

Conservative treatment of comminuted mandibular fracture involving maxillomandibular fixation with miniplates.

Bars and steel wires are the most commonly used methods to achieve maxillomandibular fixation, although there are numerous alternatives described for this same purpose. In cases of edentulous candidates for the conservative treatment of facial fractures, none of the conventional methods can be instituted for maxillomandibular fixation. Fixation in such cases is achieved with the aid of the total dentures of the patient or the confection of splints, but these methods lead to eating and oral hygiene problems. This article reports the case of an edentulous patient with a comminuted mandible fracture treated with a rarely described technique in which intermaxillary fixation was achieved with titanium miniplates.

Accuracy of linear measurements in cone beam computed tomography with different voxel sizes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of linear measurements on dry mandible specimens using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images acquired with different voxel sizes. METHODOLOGY: Eight human dry mandibles were submitted to CBCT examination, using the i-CAT (Imaging Sciences, Inc. Hatfield, PA) device and four protocols with different voxel sizes. Tomographic slices with a more central view of the markers, placed on six sites on each mandible, were selected to perform measurements. Values obtained from direct measurements on the dry mandible after sectioning them on the preestablished sites were compared with measurements from the tomographic images and the measurement error. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the measurement error of the protocols (P = 0.606). The mean value of the difference between the values obtained in the images and the dry mandible was smaller than 1 mm for all the protocols. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of vertical and horizontal measurements, using CBCT (i-CAT) for the four protocols, was shown to be comparable with the measurements performed on the dry mandible.