Determining Bone Density Using CBCT

You’ve heard the phrase, “quality over quantity,” but when it comes to implant treatment, both are equally important. Luckily for implantologists, advancements in technology now let us view the bone in 3D, saving time and taking the guesswork out of implant surgery.

In the video below, I’m able to view a cross section of a CBCT scan with my CS 3D Imaging software and share my “mental checklist” for determining bone quantity. Viewing the cross section also reveals the basic density of bone, which helps me to determine bone quality. Plus, I go over a few useful comparisons that you can remember when considering bone quality.

Bone quantity and quality plays a crucial role from the very beginning of implant planning. CBCT scans not only objectively reveal bone dimensions, but also let me know the density and maturity of the bone before I even begin to drill.

How do you determine bone quantity and quality? Do you have a case where you’ve had to reevaluate your approach to placing an implant after discovering the dimensions and quality of the bone?