A Numeric Analysis of Bone Density in the Edentulous Interforaminal Region

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the density of interforaminal bone using quantitative computed tomography (QCT) in simulated case histories to be prescribed an All-on-Five fixed implant treatment protocol. Materials and Methods: QCT scans from 30 edentulous patients (15 men and 15 women; mean age 63.33 ± 9.3 years) were analyzed using the Nobel Clinician software. Densities (in Hounsfield units [HU]) were recorded at the neck, middle part of the body, and apex of the lingual and buccal parts of proposed implant sites. Results: The highest bone densities were measured at the neck of the implant (1,187 ± 382 HU), with lower densities at the apex (774 ± 571 HU) (P .01). Bone densities decreased on the lingual interforaminal portion of the implant, especially on the two intermediate implants. Bone density was lower in women (917 ± 510 HU) than in men (1,095 ± 601 HU) (P .01). Conclusion: The interforaminal measured bone densities are lower on the paramedian region of the symphysis and in women. However, these levels are in accordance with immediate loading with a fixed partial denture.