Morphometric Assessment of Mandibular Anterior Teeth and Periradicular Cortical Bone Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate root morphology and buccal and lingual alveolar bone thickness of mandibular anterior teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to compare these parameters among central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines.Material and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included CBCT images of 75 patients, comprising 450 mandibular anterior teeth. Root angle, buccolingual and mesiodistal root width, crown length, root length, buccal and lingual alveolar bone thickness at four reference levels, and the distance between the mandibular inferior border and alveolar crest were measured. Buccal and lingual alveolar bone thicknesses were assessed 3 mm and 4.5 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction, at mid-root, and at the root apex. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26.0, with p < .05 considered significant.Results: Significant differences were found among tooth groups for the main morphometric parameters (p < .001). Canines showed the greatest root length (15.69 ± 0.51 mm) and apical buccal alveolar bone thickness (3.96 ± 0.28 mm). At 3 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction, buccal alveolar bone thickness was below 1 mm in all groups (0.69–0.73 mm), whereas apical values ranged from 3.54 to 3.96 mm. Lingual alveolar bone was thicker at coronal levels and in most mid-root assessments, whereas buccal alveolar bone was thicker apically.Conclusion: These findings support individualized CBCT-based anatomical assessment before implant planning, periodontal evaluation, orthodontic treatment, and dentoalveolar surgery.