title: Comparison of ridge mapping and cone beam computed tomography for planning dental implant therapy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to compare the relative accuracy of the ridge-mapping method against that of standard computed tomography (CT).
  
  
  METHODS
  Consecutive partially edentulous subjects requiring dental implants were recruited for this prospective study. Vacuum-formed radiographic templates with reference points were used for the ridge-mapping procedure and CT scanning. Ridge-mapping measurements were translated onto study models, which were subjected to CT scanning with the templates in place. CT images of the study models obtained from the ridge-mapping method were compared with CT images of the subjects. The data were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Differences were considered significant if P < .05.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fourteen subjects were recruited and a total of 21 implant sites were evaluated. The ridge dimensions measured by the bone-mapping method and CT scanning were significantly different (P < .05). The mean difference ranged from 0.3 to 0.5 mm, and large variations were found in the sulcus region.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Measurements of the alveolar bone dimension using the ridge-mapping method are different from CT scanning, with a mean difference of about 0.4 mm.
authors.affiliation: Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Luki C K
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Luk
authors.forename: Edmond H N
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Pow
authors.forename: Thomas K L
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: T W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Chow
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000295:instrumentation; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000295:instrumentation; D003287:Contrast Media; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000295:instrumentation; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007576:Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D003765:Models, Dental; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010519:Periodontium / Q000473:pathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D003764:Dental Materials