Accuracy of oral mucosal thickness measurements using spiral computed tomography

Background: Assessment of oral mucosal thickness is important in implant surgery; however, examining the soft tissue three dimensionally is difficult. A reamer method is invasive, and a non‐invasive ultrasonic method produces only low‐resolution images depending on anatomic variations. The emerging technology of spiral computed tomography (CT) is an alternative to the conventional methods. Spiral CT has been a useful diagnostic tool in implant surgery. Although it delivers high radiation doses, spiral CT provides three‐dimensional imaging of low‐contrast structures. The purpose of the present study is to assess the accuracy of oral mucosal measurements using spiral CT. Methods: Thickness of maxillary oral mucosa was measured in five cadavers. The measurement sites were set up in buccal, palatal, and middle of the crest in the missing tooth area in the incisor, canine, premolar, and molar regions. Each cadaver was exposed to spiral CT after installing the measurement guide. After that, each site was physically measured by reamer. Linear regression and correlation analysis were performed to describe the association between radiographic and physical measurements. Results: A total of 114 measurements were performed with statistical analyses. Mean values and standard deviations of physical and radiographic measurements were 3.12 ± 1.43 and 2.83 ± 1.70 mm, respectively. The radiographic and physical measurements demonstrate strong correlation (r = 0.90; P <0.01). Measurement error was 0.52 ± 0.36 mm. According to the regions, the measurements in buccal, palatal, and missing tooth region depicted a significant correlation (r = 0.92, r = 0.85, and r = 0.91, respectively). The boundary of the bone and mucosa was indistinguishable at 23 buccal sites. Twenty‐three measurements that could not be distinguished with CT had a mean of 0.69 and standard deviation ± 0.13 mm. Conclusions: The correlation between spiral CT and physical measurement was high except in sites of very thin mucosa. Spiral CT can be considered an alternative method for the measurement of oral mucosal thickness. Because of the higher radiation exposure, caution should be exercised and radiation dosage versus clinical benefit assessment is required.