The evaluation of palatal bone thickness for implant insertion with cone beam computed tomography

The palate is an alternative anchoring site for orthodontic implants and screws. The use of osseointegrated implants in the intermaxillary suture has recently been described as a fast, effective, and low-cost technique for patients with atrophy of the maxillae. The aim of this study was to use cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to evaluate the thickness of the bone surrounding the intermaxillary suture in relation to the insertion of osseointegrated implants. CBCT images of 144 patients (72 males, 72 females) aged 35–86 years were evaluated. The vertical bone height of the intermaxillary suture was measured using coronal and sagittal Images 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mm posterior to the incisive foramen. The mean bone thicknesses from the anterior to the posterior region were 5.59, 4.38, 3.91, 3.95, and 3.94 mm, respectively. Bone thickness was significantly different among the five anteroposterior areas of the suture, but there were no significant differences between males and females, or among age groups. The highest part of the intermaxillary suture was in the anterior region. Three-dimensional imaging is recommended to accurately identify palate bone thickness for implant placement.