研究上前牙区角化龈宽度和牙龈组织厚度之间的关联

本研究的目的是为了评价角化龈的宽度和厚度之间是否为正相关。纳入了60位20-35岁的患者（30位男性,30位女性）,对其右上尖牙、侧切牙和中切牙的软组织进行检查。使用一个带有橡皮止动片的牙髓探针和一个分辨率为0.01mm的数字化卡尺进行数据测量。获得的数据包括角化龈的宽度和厚度。结果显示,侧切牙的平均角化龈宽度最宽（5.54±1.09mm）,中切牙次之（4.62±1.02mm）,尖牙最窄（4.32±1.33mm）。中切牙的平均牙龈厚度最厚（1.17±0.20mm）,侧切牙次之（1.04±0.24mm）,尖牙最薄（0.87±0.27mm）。男性与女性之间的角化龈宽度和厚度的差异没有统计学意义。上颌尖牙（Pearson r=0.398,P〈0.05）、侧切牙（Pearson r=0.369,P〈0.05）和中切牙（Pearson r=0.492,P〈0.05）区域的角化龈宽度和厚度之间为正相关。初步得出结论,对于20-35岁的患者,右上尖牙、侧切牙、中切牙的角化龈宽度和厚度之间为正相关。     

上颌前牙牙龈厚度与牙槽骨厚度相关性的数字化测量分析

目的用数字化方法探讨分析上颌前牙唇侧牙龈厚度和牙槽骨厚度的相关性,为上颌前牙区美学修复及种植治疗提供参考。方法根据纳入及排除标准,选取2020年5至10月于第四军医大学口腔医学院口腔修复科行后牙种植修复的患者,共纳入57例,其中男性23例,女性34例,年龄(25.8±4.5)岁。采用口内扫描仪进行口内扫描,并拍摄锥形束CT,利用种植导板软件进行口内扫描数据和锥形束CT数据的拟合配准,测量并记录上颌中切牙、侧切牙和尖牙唇侧龈缘下2 mm处牙龈厚度以及牙槽嵴顶下2、4 mm处牙龈厚度及牙槽骨厚度。结果57例患者上颌中切牙、侧切牙、尖牙龈缘下2 mm处牙龈厚度分别为(1.42±0.21)、(1.19±0.17)和(1.23±0.20)mm(F=12.47,P<0.001);男性上颌前牙龈缘下2 mm和牙槽嵴顶下4 mm处牙龈厚度[分别为(1.31±0.21)和(0.67±0.22)mm]分别显著大于女性相应测量项目[分别为(1.26±0.22)和(0.58±0.19)mm](t=2.01和3.97,P<0.05);上颌前牙唇侧牙槽嵴顶下2、4 mm处牙龈厚度与牙槽骨厚度均呈正相关(r=0.387和0.344,P均<0.05)。结论上颌中切牙牙龈厚度大于侧切牙和尖牙;男性牙龈厚度大于女性;上颌前牙唇侧牙槽嵴顶下2、4 mm处牙龈厚度与牙槽骨厚度呈正相关,即牙龈越厚,牙槽骨也越厚。     

骨性安氏II类1分类成年患者拔牙矫治前后牙周表型的评估分析

目的　分析不同牙周表型的骨性安氏II类1分类成年患者拔牙矫治后上切牙区唇侧骨开裂、骨开窗及牙根吸收情况。方法　研究纳入24例骨性安氏II类1分类成年患者，通过术前CBCT和数字化印模数据的重叠，对前牙牙龈厚度进行无创的定量测量。根据术前上中切牙牙龈厚度将研究对象分为薄龈生物型组（牙龈厚度<1.5mm）和厚龈生物型组（牙龈厚度≥1.5mm）。使用CBCT测量正畸治疗前后上切牙唇侧牙槽骨骨开裂、骨开窗及牙根吸收的程度。结果　骨性安氏II类1分类成年患者术前骨开裂和骨开窗的发生率为31.2%和18.8%，经拔牙正畸治疗后增加至75%和20.8%。薄龈生物型组术后上前牙唇侧牙槽嵴顶至釉牙骨质界距离为3.19 ± 0.43mm，显著高于厚龈生物型组（2.16 ± 0.11mm），但该距离与牙龈厚度无显著相关性（r= -0.1108，P= 0.6146）。牙根吸收程度和牙龈厚度呈正相关（r=0.4223，P=0.0447），且厚龈生物型组牙根吸收量为2.24 ± 1.24mm，显著高于薄龈生物型组（1.08 ± 0.73mm）。结论　骨性安氏II类1分类成年患者经拔牙正畸治疗后上切牙区唇侧牙槽骨骨开窗、骨开裂及牙根吸收均加重，其中薄龈生物型组垂直牙槽骨吸收风险较大，厚龈生物型组骨开窗及牙根吸收风险较大。     

牙周生物型与唇侧牙槽骨骨板厚度的关系：一项体内试验研究

本研究的主要目的是评估牙周薄龈生物型（thinperiodontalbiotypes）与牙周厚龈生物型（thickperiodontaIbiotypes）两者唇侧牙槽骨骨板（IabjaIPIatethickness）厚度是否存在差异。牙周生物型与唇侧牙槽骨骨板厚度的关系是通过对60位受试者上前牙（双侧中切牙、双侧侧切牙和双侧尖牙）的相关资料评估后获得的．受试者资料包括锥形束CT（cone beam computerd tomographs．CBCT）．诊断模型（diagnosticimpressions）和牙周临床检查数据。牙周薄龈生物型与厚型比较,唇侧牙槽骨骨板更薄（P〈0．001）．角化龈宽度更窄（P〈0．001）．釉牙骨质界至牙槽嵴顶距离（P=0.02）更长．且龈沟内探诊时探针更可见（Probe ViSibl Jity）。但牙周生物型与牙齿的长宽比或颊侧龈退缩无关。结论：牙周生物型与唇侧牙槽骨骨板厚度、角化龈宽度、牙槽嵴顶位置、牙龈形态和探诊时探针可见度有密切关系,与颊侧牙龈退缩无关。     

上颌前牙牙龈厚度与牙槽骨厚度相关性的数字化测量分析

目的用数字化方法探讨分析上颌前牙唇侧牙龈厚度和牙槽骨厚度的相关性, 为上颌前牙区美学修复及种植治疗提供参考。方法根据纳入及排除标准, 选取2020年5至10月于第四军医大学口腔医学院口腔修复科行后牙种植修复的患者, 共纳入57例, 其中男性23例, 女性34例, 年龄(25.8±4.5)岁。采用口内扫描仪进行口内扫描, 并拍摄锥形束CT, 利用种植导板软件进行口内扫描数据和锥形束CT数据的拟合配准, 测量并记录上颌中切牙、侧切牙和尖牙唇侧龈缘下2 mm处牙龈厚度以及牙槽嵴顶下2、4 mm处牙龈厚度及牙槽骨厚度。结果 57例患者上颌中切牙、侧切牙、尖牙龈缘下2 mm处牙龈厚度分别为(1.42±0.21)、(1.19±0.17)和(1.23±0.20)mm(F=12.47, P<0.001);男性上颌前牙龈缘下2 mm和牙槽嵴顶下4 mm处牙龈厚度[分别为(1.31±0.21)和(0.67±0.22)mm]分别显著大于女性相应测量项目[分别为(1.26±0.22)和(0.58±0.19)mm](t=2.01和3.97, P<0.05);上颌前牙唇侧牙槽嵴顶下2、4 mm处牙龈厚...     

替牙期骨性Ⅲ类患者上前牙牙槽骨形态及其影响因素

目的 评估替牙期骨性Ⅲ类患者上前牙区牙槽骨形态，并探讨其影响因素。方法 选取替牙期骨性Ⅲ类患者48例，基于治疗前的锥体束CT(CBCT)，测量上颌中切牙和侧切牙唇舌侧的牙槽骨厚度和高度，测量牙齿长度、前牙倾斜度、下颌平面角。结果 上颌中切牙舌侧牙槽骨厚度为(3.34±1.33)mm，上颌中切牙唇侧牙槽骨厚度为(1.24±0.51)mm，上颌中切牙舌侧牙槽嵴顶距釉牙骨质距离(1.30±0.89)mm，上颌侧切牙唇侧牙槽嵴顶距釉牙骨质距离(1.68±0.88)mm。上中切牙舌侧牙槽骨厚度、唇侧牙槽骨高度与切牙唇倾度负相关，上切牙唇侧牙槽骨厚度与牙齿长度和下颌平面角负相关。结论 替牙期骨性Ⅲ类患者上切牙唇侧牙槽骨较薄，附着高度较低，舌侧牙槽骨较厚、附着高度较高。上切牙牙槽骨形态与切牙唇倾度、牙齿长度、下颌平面角均有相关性。     

中国新疆地区成人健康上颌前牙唇侧牙槽骨厚度的CBCT评价

目的:应用CBCT评价中国新疆地区成人健康上颌前牙唇侧牙槽骨厚度.方法:选取咬合正常且上前牙健康的200例成人的CBCT图像.测量双侧上中切牙、上侧切牙及上尖牙的唇面3个位点:牙槽嵴顶下方1mm唇侧根面(ML1)、根中1/2唇侧根面(ML2)及根尖(ML3)至牙槽骨唇侧骨壁的距离.结果:ML1、ML2、ML3的平均值(mm)分别为中切牙(1.27±0.55)、(0.92±0.53)、(1.66±0.83)mm,侧切牙(1.19±0.56)、(0.73±0.53)、(1.59±0.77)mm,尖牙(1.36±0.57)、(0.96±0.57)、(1.73±0.96)mm.其中侧切牙ML2小于中切牙ML2(P<0.05),尖牙ML1、ML2大于中切牙ML1、ML2(P<0.05).左右同名牙在同一位点左右侧均无统计学差异(P>0.05),不同位点比较具有统计学差异(P<0.05).男性中切牙ML3、尖牙ML2大于女性(P<0.05).汉族中切牙ML3、尖牙ML3小于维吾尔族(P<0.05).31～40岁中切牙ML2、ML3,侧切牙ML3、尖牙ML3均小于18～30岁,41～50岁尖牙ML3大于31～40岁(P<0.05).结论:中国新疆地区成人健康上颌前牙唇侧牙槽骨厚度普遍较薄,上颌尖牙唇侧牙槽骨厚度汉族和维吾尔族之间存在差异.     

应用锥形束CT分析上颌前牙区龈乳头形态的初步研究

目的 探索上颌前牙区龈乳头充满牙间接触点根方楔形间隙时(以下简称龈乳头充满)的特点及相关因素.方法 选择牙龈健康的北京大学口腔医学院在读学生15人,共纳入62个龈乳头,进行印模技术结合造影间接牙龈显影的锥形束CT拍摄后测量骨嵴顶处的龈乳头高度及厚度,临床测量龈乳头宽度,应用SPSS16.0统计软件分析其相互关系.结果 自然人群中上颌前牙区健康牙龈乳头充满时骨嵴顶处的龈乳头高度为(3.67 ±0.51) mm(均＜5 mm);龈乳头厚度为(8.38±0.75) mm;龈乳头宽度为(4.35±1.03) mm.中切牙与侧切牙间骨嵴顶处龈乳头厚度为(7.97±0.56) mm,与中切牙间及侧切牙与尖牙间的龈乳头厚度差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).龈乳头充满时骨嵴顶处的龈乳头高度与厚度呈中度正相关(r=0.433,P＜0.001).结论 应用锥形束CT拍摄能获得龈乳头的清晰影像并可测量其相关指标,牙龈健康的自然人群上颌前牙区龈乳头充满时骨嵴顶处龈乳头高度均＜5 mm;骨嵴顶处龈乳头高度、厚度、宽度两两相关.     

数字化技术评估上颌前牙区唇侧牙龈厚度与骨板厚度的相关性研究

目的 通过CBCT结合口腔扫描手段,分析青年人上颌前牙区唇侧牙龈厚度与骨板厚度相关性以及釉牙骨质界(CEJ)至牙槽嵴顶(ARC)的距离与牙龈生物型之间的相关性。方法 对30名受试者进行CBCT拍摄、口内数字化扫描,两组数据配准重建后测量釉牙骨质界至牙槽嵴顶的距离、唇侧CEJ下4 mm处牙龈厚度及对应骨板厚度。结果 厚中薄三种牙龈生物型对应釉牙骨质界至牙槽嵴顶的距离差异无统计学意义(F=1.886,P>0.05);CEJ下4 mm处牙龈厚度与骨板厚度在中切牙及侧切牙区存在负相关(r=-0.319;r=-0.292,P<0.01),在尖牙区无明显相关性(r=-0.197,P>0.05)。结论 牙龈生物型分型与釉牙骨质界-牙槽嵴顶的距离之间无显著相关性;上颌前牙区唇侧牙龈厚度及骨板厚度均较薄,两者之间相关性尚未明确。     

上颌切牙不翻瓣即刻种植的临床效果

目的评估上颌切牙单牙不翻瓣即刻种植对牙槽骨和牙龈附着的影响。方法选择15例上颌前牙区因外伤、残根或根折等需拔除患牙行即刻种植修复的患者,共15颗切牙,术前行X线曲面断层片及牙科CT检查,评估牙槽骨高度、厚度与牙龈附着情况,微创拔除患牙后作植入前评估,采用不翻瓣即刻种植方法植入Anky-los种植体15颗,骨缺隙部分填充骨粉,穿龈愈合。术后5个月复诊行上部结构修复,对比术前与修复后的牙槽骨与牙龈退缩情况。结果 15颗种植体成功完成上部结构修复。修复时和术前比较,牙槽骨吸收(1.10±0.26)mm,牙龈退缩(0.81±0.31)mm,牙龈乳头形态保存良好。结论上颌切牙位点使用不翻瓣即刻种植,能有效保护种植区牙槽嵴,从而防止牙龈出现明显退缩,有利于维持种植区的美学效果。     

Assessment of gingival biotype and facial hard/soft tissue dimensions in the maxillary anterior teeth region using cone beam computed tomography

ObjectiveThis study sought to assess the relationship between facial gingival and bone dimensions in maxillary anterior teeth region using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).DesignThis study assessed 621 maxillary anterior teeth in 144 patients. In the sagittal plane, facial bone thickness (BT) and gingival thickness (GT) were measured at the crestal level and at 2, 4 and 6 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). The dentogingival complex (DGC) dimensions and the distance from the CEJ to bone crest were also measured on CBCT scans. To determine the gingival biotype, GT at 2 mm apical to the gingival margin was measured and GT <1.5 mm was categorized as thin while GT ≥1.5 mm was categorized as thick. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 via repeated measures ANOVA and the Cochrane’s Q, chi-square and independent samples t-tests.ResultsThe BT around the maxillary central and lateral incisors and canine teeth at 4 and 6 mm apical to the CEJ was significantly different in thick and thin gingival biotypes (P < 0.05). The mean GT at 2 and 4 mm apical to the CEJ was significantly different around central and lateral incisors (P < 0.05). Thickness of crestal bone was significantly different between the two gingival biotypes around central and lateral incisors (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe two gingival biotypes had significantly different mean BT; different biotypes and their relationship to BT varied around anterior maxillary teeth.     

Correlation between periodontal soft tissue and hard tissue surrounding incisors in skeletal Class III patients

Objectives:To investigate the association between the periodontal soft tissue, alveolar bone and dental parameters surrounding the incisors at baseline in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion.Materials and Methods:The study sample comprised 154 teeth from 28 patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion (19 men and 9 women, 21.15 ± 4.02 years). Periodontal soft tissue examination and hard tissue measurements with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) were performed. Factor analysis was used to reduce the CBCT variables, and correlation analysis between the hard tissue factors and soft tissue parameters was performed. Differences in hard tissue parameters between thick and thin gingival types were evaluated.Results:CBCT measurements were reduced to three hard tissue factors: lingual plate, coronal-buccal plate, and apical-buccal plate. Keratinized gingiva width and thickness were positively correlated with the coronal-buccal plate factor and negatively correlated with the apical-buccal plate factor. In the thin gingival biotype, mandibular incisors were more proclined, and the apical part of the buccal alveolar plate and the coronal part of lingual alveolar plate were thicker than in the thick gingival biotype.Conclusions:In the anterior teeth in cases of skeletal Class III malocclusion, hard tissue structures on the buccal side can be grouped based on coronal and apical factors that are significantly correlated with keratinized gingival width and thickness. Thick and thin gingival biotypes exhibited differences in tooth inclination and alveolar plate thickness with regard to the mandibular incisors.     

Frequency of adequate mesiodistal space and faciolingual alveolar width for implant placement at anterior tooth positions

BackgroundPrior studies have defined minimum mesiodistal space (MS) and faciolingual alveolar width (FAW) requirements for dental implant sites, and failure to observe these constraints may adversely impact peri-implant health and esthetics. However, to the authors’ knowledge, no previous reports have established frequencies at which anterior tooth positions present favorable MS and FAW for implant accommodation.MethodsA single examiner analyzed 205 cone-beam computed tomographic images, recording MS and FAW available for implant placement at anterior tooth positions. The examiner compared measurements with standardized implant diameters to assess anticipated implant-to-tooth distances and peri-implant bone thicknesses.ResultsIn the esthetic zone, lateral incisor sites most frequently failed to present favorable MS. At maxillary lateral incisor positions, 22% (left) and 27% (right) of sites offered less than 2 millimeters between the proposed implant platform and the adjacent teeth. In mandibular incisor positions, implant-to-tooth distance was less than 2 mm at 79% through 97% of sites and less than 1.5 mm at 35% through 76% of sites. Over one-half of maxillary incisor sites and 78% through 95% of mandibular incisor sites exhibited FAW of less than 4 mm beyond implant diameter.ConclusionsIn the population evaluated, mandibular incisor positions frequently presented unfavorable MS to accommodate conventional narrow-diameter implants. In addition, considerable proportions of mandibular incisor and maxillary lateral incisor sites may be at risk of developing unfavorable peri-implant bone thickness when conventional narrow-diameter implants are used.Practical ImplicationsPractitioners should consider small-diameter implants and nonimplant tooth replacement methods for many patients missing single mandibular incisors or maxillary lateral incisors.     

Changes in the gingival thickness and keratinized gingival width of maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth after orthodontic treatment

ObjectivesTo evaluate changes in the gingival thickness (GT) and keratinized gingival width (KGW) of the maxillary and mandibular central and lateral incisors and canines after fixed orthodontic treatment and their association with sagittal tooth movement (STM).Materials and MethodsIn this study of both arches, 60 periodontally healthy subjects who had completed fixed orthodontic treatment were included. Using pretreatment and posttreatment lateral cephalograms, STM of the maxillary (1-NA angle and distance, and 1-SN angle) and mandibular (1-NB angle and distance, and IMPA angle) incisors were evaluated to divide the subjects into protrusion and retrusion groups. Pretreatment and posttreatment GT was identified via transgingival probing, and KGW was calculated from the free gingival margin to the mucogingival junction.ResultsThe intragroup pretreatment and posttreatment comparison results showed a significant decrease in the GT of the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth in the protrusion and retrusion groups and a decrease in the KGW of the maxillary lateral incisors in the protrusion group. Pearson correlation coefficient analyses for maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth revealed that the GT changes were not significantly associated with STM. However, a positive correlation existed between the KGW of tooth numbers 13 and 41 and STM.ConclusionsSTM was not significantly associated with decreased GT of the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth, but it was positively correlated with the KGW of tooth numbers 13 and 41.     

Anterior Maxillary Labial Bone Thickness on Cone Beam Computed Tomography

AimThe objective of this research was to measure the labial bone thickness (LBT) in relation to the 6 anterior maxillary teeth at different levels along the long axis and the distance between cementoenamel junction and bone crest (CEJ-BC) based on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans retrieved from patients of Arab ethnicity and identify any association with patients’ characteristics.Materials and methodsA total of 100 CBCT scans were evaluated by one calibrated examiner. The thickness of the labial bone was measured perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth at 1, 3, and 5 mm from the alveolar crest (LBT-1, LBT-3, and LBT-5, respectively) and CEJ-BC using a medical imaging viewer.ResultsCBCT scans of 58 female patients and 42 male patients with a mean age of 39.7 ± 9.5 years were included. A high variation of CEJ-BC was observed (range, 0.55-3.90 mm). Statistically significant higher CEJ-BC values were associated with men and increased age (>50 years). The overall means of LBT-1 were 0.76 ± 0.26, 0.79 ± 0.26, and 0.83 ± 0.37 mm; LBT-3: 0.92 ± 0.36, 1.05 ± 0.46, and 1.03 ± 0.48 mm; LBT-5: 1.17 ± 0.52, 0.80 ± 0.45, and 0.81 ± 0.40 mm for central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines, respectively. The LBT was <1 mm in 74.2% of all maxillary anterior teeth, with central incisors showing the highest predilection (85% with LBT <1 mm). No significant association between LBT and patient characteristics was observed.ConclusionsThe CEJ-BC distance is greater in men and increases with age, particularly in those aged 50 years and older. The LBT in the 6 maxillary anterior teeth is predominantly thin (<1 mm) and has no correlation to age or sex. An increased LBT was observed at a 3-mm level when compared with LBT-1 and LBT-5. Such variability should be taken into consideration when planning for implant placement.     

A non-invasive method for the assessment of gingival thickness in the aesthetic zone and the concept of the gingival geometric ratio in an Asian population

The aim of this study was to investigate the gingival thickness and biologic width in the aesthetic zone (maxillary central and lateral incisors) in an Asian population using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) as a non-invasive measurement method, prior to immediate implant placement. The gingival geometric ratio is introduced as a new parameter for assessing soft tissue stability and hence predicting the aesthetic outcome. The gingival thickness, biologic width category (normal, high, and low crest), and gingival geometric ratio (shape and configuration of the gingival tissues) were assessed for 171 central and 175 lateral incisors on high-resolution CBCT images. Thick gingivae were found in 93.6% of the central incisors and 64% of the lateral incisors (P < 0.001). The difference in thickness between the central and lateral incisors was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Regarding the biologic width of the facial gingival tissue, the majority of central (64.8%) and lateral (64.3%) incisors were categorized as low crest (>3 mm). The study found that most of the gingivae of the maxillary central incisors were thick, while thin gingivae were more prevalent in the lateral incisors. Therefore, an individual patient may have different gingival thickness types, and ‘one individual, one gingival biotype’ may not be true. Furthermore, the majority of the facial gingival tissues of the maxillary incisors were found to be low crest.     

Changes of anterior maxillary alveolar bone thickness following incisor proclination and extrusion

Objective:To investigate changes in maxillary alveolar bone thickness after maxillary incisor proclination and extrusion during anterior crossbite correction in a group of growing patients with Class III malocclusion.Materials and Methods:Maxillary incisors of 15 growing patients with anterior crossbite were proclined and extruded with 0.016″ beta-titanium advancing loops and Class III elastics. Lateral cephalograms were recorded before advancement (T₀) and 4 months after a normal overjet and overbite were achieved (T₁). Changes in alveolar bone thickness surrounding the maxillary incisors at the crestal (S1), midroot (S2), and apical (S3) levels were measured using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Paired t-tests were used to determine the significance of the changes. A Spearman rank correlation analysis was performed to explore the relationship between thickness changes and the rate and amount of incisor movements.Results:Although statistically significant decreases were observed in palatal and total bone thickness at the S2 and S3 level (P < .05), the amounts of these changes were clinically insignificant, ranging from 0.34 to 0.59 mm. Changes in labial bone thickness at all levels were not significant. Changes in palatal bone thickness at S3 were negatively correlated with changes in incisor inclination. (r  =  −0.71; P < .05).Conclusion:In a group of growing patients with Class III malocclusion undergoing anterior crossbite correction, controlled tipping mechanics accompanied by extrusive force may produce successful tooth movement with minimal iatrogenic detriment to the alveolar bone.     

The thickness of facial alveolar bone overlying healthy maxillary anterior teeth

Background: A facial bone (<2 mm) overlying maxillary anterior teeth may be prone to resorptive processes after extraction and immediate implant placement. A thin bone contributes to risk of bone fenestration, dehiscence, and soft‐tissue recession. This study measures the distance between the cemento‐enamel junction (CEJ) and alveolar bone crest and the thickness of facial alveolar bone at points 1 to 5 mm from the bone crest for the six maxillary anterior teeth. Methods : Sixty‐six tomographic scans (31 males and 35 females; aged 17 to 69 years; mean age: 39.9 years) of intact anterior maxilla were randomly selected and evaluated by two calibrated and independent examiners (MG and TP). Results: A high variation of CEJ–bone crest (0.8 to 7.2 mm) was detected. A significantly larger CEJ–bone crest was measured in smokers (P <0.05) and patients who were ≥50 years old (P <0.05). The average bone thickness at 3 mm from the CEJ for the maxillary right central incisor was 1.41 mm and for the maxillary left central incisor was 1.45 mm. For the maxillary right and left lateral incisors, the crestal bone thickness averaged 1.73 and 1.59 mm, respectively. For the maxillary right and left canines, the crestal bone thickness averaged 1.47 and 1.60 mm, respectively. Conclusions : The present study supports the finding of a predominantly thin facial bone overlying the six maxillary anterior teeth. Therefore, it is essential to make informed treatment decisions based on thorough site evaluation before immediate implant placement.