2D-metrics in routine dental radiographs correlate with bone supply of intraoral donor regions: A retrospective analysis

Background: To test the hypothesis that cephalometric parameters in two-dimensional routine dental radiographs correlate with the bone supply of intraoral donor regions. Methods: A total of 108 radiographs (36 panoramic radiographs [PRs], 36 lateral cephalometric radiographs [LCRs], and 36 cone-beam computed tomography scans [CBCT]) of 36 patients were analysed. Cephalometric parameters (PR and LCR) were correlated with the bone supply measurement in three-dimensional CBCT scans in three different intraoral donor regions (chin, mandibular retromolar region, and zygomatic alveolar crest). Results: Different mean bone volumes were measured for the chin (3.10 ± 1.11 cm³ SD), the mandibular retromolar region (1.66 ± 0.54 cm³ SD), and the zygomatic alveolar crest (0.17 ± 0.04 cm³ SD). Cephalometric parameters were significantly correlated with the bone dimensions in the chin and the mandibular retromolar region (all p-values < 0.05). Bone volume of the zygomatic alveolar crest exhibited no correlations with cephalometric parameters but significantly correlated with the mandibular retromolar bone volume (p < 0.01). No gender-specific differences were observed with respect to bone volumes in all bone harvesting regions. However, the interforaminal distance in the chin region was significantly higher in the male population (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Routine 2D radiographs can be used during the initial consultation for primary intraoral bone donor site evaluation. This is anticipated to be helpful in defining indications and justifying further diagnostic options such as three-dimensional radiological techniques.