The anterior maxilla as a potential source of bone grafts: a morphometric cone beam computed tomography analysis of different anatomical areas

The aim of this research was to use cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to analyze the volume, density, and morphology of the bone available in the anterior region of the maxilla, in order to investigate its potential as a source of bone grafts. Three independent zones were evaluated: the palatine process of the maxilla (PPM), anterior nasal spine (ANS), and subnasal bone (SN). The latter was analyzed bilaterally (SNR, SNL). One hundred CBCT scans were evaluated. The morphometric analysis comprised volumetric and subsequent automatic density calculations, as well as linear measurements. Potential correlations among these parameters, including demographic characteristics, were investigated. The study comprised 52 women and 48 men (mean age 49.6 ± 14.5 years). The calculated bone volume averaged 2.41 ± 0.72 cm3 for PPM, 0.46 ± 0.16 cm3 for ANS, 0.58 ± 0.2 cm3 for SNR, and 0.57 ± 0.21 cm3 for SNL. The anterior region of the maxilla can provide a considerable amount of bone volume from different anatomical zones and should be regarded as a potential donor site for the regeneration of maxillary atrophic bones. Further investigation is required before these findings can be applied in the routine clinical setting.