Alan L. Rosenfeld

Radiographic Considerations for the Regional Anatomy in the Posterior Mandible

BACKGROUND Previous studies of the inferior alveolar nerve have used cadaveric specimens in small patient groups. The purpose of this study was to describe the anatomy in the posterior mandible with respect to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) using computed tomography (CT) images in a large patient population. We hypothesize that CT scans are an important component of a thorough treatment plan for minimizing risk to the IAN and optimizing surgical outcomes. METHODS CT scans of 195 patients (62 males and 133 females; age range: 22 to 88 years) were evaluated retrospectively. With the aid of computer software, cross-sectional images were examined at 5-mm increments distal to the mental foramen to the ascending ramus. Four measurements were made at each cross-sectional image. The distances from the IAN to the: 1) alveolar crest (CN); 2) buccal cortical plate (BN); 3) lingual cortical plate (LN); and 4) inferior border (IN) were measured. RESULTS Most measurements for males and females were significantly different. Mean values were as follows (males/females): CN, 13.85 ± 0.43/11.98 ± 0.40 mm (P <0.01); BN, 4.98 ± 0.15/4.47 ± 0.11 mm (P <0.01); LN, 2.93 ± 0.12/3.19 ± 0.10 mm (P <0.10); and IN, 7.76 ± 0.16/7.00 ± 0.15 mm (P <0.01). The 95% confidence intervals indicated that many patients had limited bone volume in the buccal shelf or ascending ramus. CONCLUSION Given the high degree of variability in mandibular bone volume surrounding the IAN and the position of the IAN, the use of CT scans should be considered for surgical procedures in the posterior mandible when there is risk of injury to the IAN.

Alternative Applications of Guided Surgery: Precise Outlining of the Lateral Window in Antral Sinus Bone Grafting

Computed tomography (CT) and the application of CT-based guided implant surgery allow clinicians to provide enhanced precision and accuracy in implant surgery. Because of the difficulty in transferring a patients often complex anatomic sinus configurations, as viewed on a preoperative CT scan, into precise osteotomy cuts at antral bone graft surgery, a prototype cutting guide was developed. The surgical guide was developed through the use of CT imaging, SimPlant module Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery computer software (Materialise Dental, Glen Burnie, MD), and the stereolithographic process to precisely position the lateral window, facilitating Schneiderian membrane elevation. This report demonstrates the step-by-step method to perform precise guided sinus window preparation using computer software and a stereolithographically generated surgical guide.

A classification system for crestal and radicular dentoalveolar bone phenotypes.

Pretreatment knowledge of crestal and radicular dentoalveolar zones and their associated thicknesses can improve risk assessment to meet esthetic and functional goals, particularly when discrepancies in anterior maxillary and mandibular arches exist and when an anterior protected articulation is to be achieved. This paper discusses a new classification of dentoalveolar bone phenotypes that differentiates the alveolar crestal zone from that of the radicular zone and classifies the thickness of facial bone at each compartment to aid in interdisciplinary dentofacial therapy risk assessment. The zone of crestal bone is defined as the region of the tooth alveolus measured from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to a point 4 mm apical. The dentoalveolar radicular zone is dependent upon the individual root length. It begins at a point 4 mm apical to the CEJ (base of the crestal zone) and extends the length of the tooth root. Dentoalveolar bone phenotype at both zones (crestal and remaining radicular alveolar aspect) can be categorized as either thick or thin. Thick is defined as ≥ 1 mm of facial bone width while thin is < 1 mm.

Tissue engineering for lateral ridge augmentation with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 combination therapy: a case report.

This case report describes a tissue-engineered reconstruction with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2/acellular collagen sponge (rhBMP-2/ ACS) + cancellous allograft and space maintenance via Medpor Contain mesh in the treatment of a patient requiring maxillary and mandibular horizontal ridge augmentation to enable implant placement. The patient underwent a previously unsuccessful corticocancellous bone graft at these sites. Multiple and contiguous sites in the maxilla and in the mandibular anterior, demonstrating advanced lateral ridge deficiencies, were managed using a tissue engineering approach as an alternative to autogenous bone harvesting. Four maxillary and three mandibular implants were placed 9 and 10 months, respectively, after tissue engineering reconstruction, and all were functioning successfully after 24 months of follow-up. Histomorphometric analysis of a bone core obtained at the time of the maxillary implant placement demonstrated a mean of 76.1% new vital bone formation, 22.2% marrow/cells, and 1.7% residual graft tissue. Tissue engineering for lateral ridge augmentation with combination therapy requires further research to determine predictability and limitations.