A Quantitative Assessment to Compare the Dimensions of the Alveolar Ridge Width Using Different Techniques for Implant Placement

Background: The success of any dental implant surgery depends on the correct diagnosis and treatment planning. Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the dimensions of the alveolar ridge width using different techniques for implant placement. Materials and methods: The study involved 27 partially edentulous subjects aged 18-50, including males and females. In this study, the dimensions of the ridge were evaluated by ridge mapping on a cast, ridge mapping using a bone caliper, and ridge mapping with the help of an occlusal radiograph. All three methods were compared with ridge mapping by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). For each subject, the site of implant placement was marked on the study model. Alveolar ridge measurement was done in the mouth by a bone caliper under local anesthesia with the help of a stent with a hole. Ridge mapping on a cast was done after sectioning the cast and marking with the help of a periodontal probe and stent. Ridge mapping was done on an occlusal radiograph by converting an acetate stent into a radiographic stent. Finally, CBCT was taken for each patient for ridge mapping. All four readings were tabulated. Results: Comparing the mean alveolar ridge width of four groups, ANOVA showed significantly different alveolar ridge width among the groups (F=7.89, p<0.001). The validity (accuracy and precision) of ridge mapping on a cast, ridge mapping using a bone caliper, and occlusal radiograph against the CBCT (gold standard) was done using concordance correlation analysis. The concordance correlation analysis showed the highest association (ρ=0.8196) and precision (ϸ=82.61%) of ridge mapping using a bone caliper with CBCT. However, the accuracy of ridge mapping on a cast (Cb=99.42%) was the highest, followed by ridge mapping using a bone caliper (Cb=82.61%). The analysis concluded that both techniques are equivalent to CBCT and can be used interchangeably. Conclusion: The mean alveolar ridge width of the occlusal radiograph was the highest, followed by CBCT, ridge mapping on a cast, and ridge mapping using a bone caliper the least (occlusal radiograph > CBCT > ridge mapping on cast >ridge mapping using bone caliper). But at the same time, it can also be used interchangeably.