Classification of Sagittal Root Position in Relation to the Anterior Maxillary Osseous Housing for Immediate Implant Placement: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to classify the relationship of the sagittal root positions of the maxillary anterior teeth to their respective osseous housings using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The frequency of each classification was also reported. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of CBCT images was conducted on 100 patients (40 men, 60 women; mean age, 53.1 years) who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The CBCT images were evaluated and the relationship of the sagittal root position of the maxillary anterior teeth to its associated osseous housing was recorded as Class I, II, III, or IV. Results: The frequency distribution of sagittal root position of maxillary anterior teeth indicated that, of the 600 samples, 81.1%, 6.5%, 0.7%, and 11.7% were classified as Class I, II, Ill, and IV, respectively. Conclusions: An understanding of the clinical relevance of sagittal root position will provide adjunct data for the treatment planning of immediate implant placement and provisionalization in the anterior maxilla. A classification system may lead to improved interdisciplinary communication in treatment planning for implant-based therapy in the anterior maxilla. INT J ORAL MAXILLOFAC IMPLANTS 2011;26:873-876