In
this study we describe a novel method based on CBCT technology to assess and
precisely measure distances corresponding to the hard and soft tissues of the
periodontium and dentogingival attachment apparatus.
With
a simple and noninvasive technique, the relationships among structures of the
periodontium such as the gingival margin and the facial bone crest are easily
determined, the gingival margin and the cementoenamel junctional (CEJ), and the
CEJ and facial bone crest, as well as measuring the width of the facial and
palatal/lingual alveolar bone and the width of the facial and palatal/lingual
gingiva.
Materials
and methods
The
CBCT scans were taken with an iCAT (Imaging Sciences International, Inc.,
Hatfield, PA, USA),
At
the time of the CBCT scanning, a heavy impression material was adjusted to
cover the buccal and lingual aspect of the gingival tissues, the patients were
also asked to retract their tongues toward the floor of their mouths.. With these
procedures, the soft tissues of the lips and cheeks were positioned away from
the gingival tissue and the tongue remained lower in the oral cavity.
Results
The
images of the soft tissues can be easily determined on CBCT images with this
technique.
Use of impression material to assess gingival tissues
Soft and hard tissues assessment
