Objective: To identify the characteristics of bone tissue microarchitecture by microCT at dental implant bone sites, describing them in terms of clinical parameters.
Material and methods: Forty-six bone implant sites of the maxilla and mandible from 32 volunteers were evaluated by conventional radiographs and CT scans. During the installation of each implant, bone biopsies were removed using a trephine bur at the first drilling to prepare the socket implant. Each sample was evaluated by microCT and dimensional parameters measured.
Results: Factor analysis summarized the microparameters into four components, which accounted for 92.8% of the total variance. The identified factors were (1) architecture - variables affecting 3D trabecular bone configuration and organization, (2) density - variables relating to surface/volume ratios and volume/volume ratios, (3) bulk - variables relating to the amount of bone and (4) spacing - variable related to the distance between trabeculae and the quantity and organization of marrow spaces.
Conclusion: These four summarized factors correspond to clinical and radiographically recognizable parameters used for routine bone quality evaluation for implant treatment planning, which can potentially influence the primary stability of dental implants. The understanding of factors related to bone microarchitecture might reveal important aspects of its mechanical properties, essential for implant success.
© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.