Assessment of pterygomaxillary region for insertion of pterygoid implants - A cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) study

Abstract

Background: Recently pterygoid implants have revolutionarized the field of implant dentistry. This study was done to assess pterygomaxillary region for pterygoid implants using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials & Methods: 62 patients (dentate and edentulous) selected for pterygoid implants were undergone forcone beam computed tomography (CBCT) evaluation of the pterygomaxillary region. Joint height, width, bone volume was calculated. Bone density was measured at two points each at the superior part, medium and on inferior part of the pterygomaxillary column. Results: We found mean ± SD height of pterygomaxillary joint (dentate-12.9± 7.3 mm, edentulous-12.5± 7.1 mm), the mean width of pterygomaxillary joint (dentate-8.16± 7.2 mm, edentulous-8.16± 7.2 mm). The mean volume of pterygomaxillary joint in dentate patients was 288.4± 194.2 mm3 and edentulous was 256.6± 172.4 mm3. There was significantly higher bone density in dentate patients as compared to edentulous patients (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Bone density was found to be higher in dentate as compared to edentulous patients. CBCT is a new diagnostic tool which assess pterygoid region effectively. Pterygoid implants may be considered as treatment option for atrophic maxilla.