Purpose: To conduct a longitudinal evaluation of sites grafted with autogenous bone prior to implant placement using a dental cast with a 3D modeling system. Materials and Methods: A total of nine patients underwent implant treatment with bone grafting for anterior missing teeth. Informed consent was obtained from each patient. Casts were made and evaluated at three time periods, including before bone grafting (Pre BG), 4 or 5 months after grafting (Post BG), and 4 or 5 months after implant placement (Post IP). 3D data of these casts were acquired using a 3D digital scanner and then superimposed with reference to the remaining teeth. The volume of the anterior area of the cast was evaluated Pre BG and Post BG. Results: Accuracy of superimposition on the remaining teeth was between 20 and 50 µm. Horizontal differences Post BG and Post IP were 0.1 to 1.6 mm. The volume Post IP decreased by 14% to 38% compared to the volume Post BG. Conclusions: This 3D modeling technique allowed 3D evaluation before and after bone grafting. Results suggested that the volume of the maxilla was sequentially decreased after bone grafting.
Keywords: bone graft, bone loss, 3D digital evaluation
