Risk Assessment of Lingual Plate Perforation in Anterior Edentulous Mandibular Region: A Virtual Implant Placement Study Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of lingual cortical bone perforation caused by virtually placed implants on cone-beam computed tomography images in the edentulous mandibular canine region and determine the relationship between the morphological structure of the crest and the risk of perforation. Methods: Eight hundred dental implants were virtually inserted on 100 qualified cone-beam computed tomography scans. Crests were divided into 4 groups according to the crest morphology as Type U, Type L, Type P, and Type C. The distance between the implant tip and lingual plate was measured using a digital caliper. Incidence of lingual plate perforation and proximity of the implant tip to the lingual plate were measured for 4 types of the alveolar crest. Results: A total of 800 virtual implant applications were performed in 100 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The incidence of lingual plate perforation was found to be significantly higher in Type U crests than in the other types. It was also found to be statistically significantly higher in Type L crests than in Type P and Type C crests. When the relationship between implant length and perforation was evaluated, perforation in 14 mm implants was significantly higher than 8, 10, and 12 mm implants. Conclusions: According to the results of this study, it was determined that high rates of perforation occurred in the U and L type crests and 14 mm implants during implant surgery in the mandibular anterior edentulous region.